Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine January 2024

HVACR NewsMagazine January 2024

Tech News

a leak, so those records are important for determining if a system is leaking.

And remember: A2Ls are far closer to A1s than A3s (like propane). There is no propane in A2L refrigerants.

R-410A Leak Repair Requirements

Resources

If you want to stay aware of the EPA’s rulings, you can read copies of its legal documents in the federal register. The federal register is the hub for all public documents across federal agencies. The EPA’s most recent final rule about the HFC phase-down is available in its entirety HERE. There are also several simplified versions of the document. (This ACHR News article gives a good overview based on this fact sheet published by the EPA .) You can also visit the EPA’s FAQ page for the recently finalized rule for sector-based restrictions HERE. You can also learn more about R-454B (Opteon XL41 by Chemours) on the Opteon website. We also recommend checking out ESCO Institute’s HVACR Learning Network, which contains several courses and webinars. Some are free, some provide NATE credits, and all are great for learning more about the trade — news, science, best practices, and more. We greatly appreciate Bryan Orr and HVAC School sharing articles for the NewsMagazine to reprint, but we only scratch the surface of what the HVAC School has to offer. From podcasts to YouTube to Tech Tips, you’ll enhance your knowledge and be connected to one of the most widely followed technical trainers for technicians in the country. Click on the logo or picture to learn more.

The EPA’s final rule also introduced leak repair requirements for any system carrying over 15 pounds of an HFC refrigerant. Within 60 days of the final rule (i.e., within the next week or so), we will be required to repair leaks on systems containing 50 or more pounds of an HFC refrigerant or substitute with a GWP greater than 53. Within one year of the final rule, the criteria will include systems containing 15 – 50 pounds of an HFC refrigerant or substitute with a GWP above 53. Most residential equipment won’t be affected, but some larger systems may require leak repairs under this rule. Conclusion We’ve recently seen several changes with the latest EPA final rule, which may put economic pressure on smaller contractors and low-income consumers. As far as we’re concerned with using A2Ls, there won’t be a massive change in our system temperatures and pressures. We may have to replace a few older recovery machines and vacuum pumps, making sure everything in our arsenal is A2L-rated, but we can hold on to most of the tools we all know and love. There are a few changes to A2L tanks, such as the introduction of left-handed threads and a pressure- relief valve, but we won’t have to revamp most of our processes.