2. Executive Summary:
Revisiting Flammable Refrigerants
in HVAC Equipment and Appliances
Since the 1989 Montreal Protocol and its successor agreements, the world of refrigerants has been marked by
change. In the search for more environmentally-preferable refrigerants, technology has moved from chlorofluo-
rocarbons to a host of alternative substances. Many of these substances are serving as interim measures, until the
phase-out of ozone-depleting and global-warming refrigerants meets the targets set by the U.S. Clean Air Act.
In response, HVAC equipment and (SNAP). EPA SNAP affects the selection
appliance manufacturers are exploring and use of alternative refrigerants in
the potential use of a wide range of HVAC equipment and appliances. In
substances that have good environmental 2010 the EPA proposed that hydrocarbon
and thermodynamic properties as refrigerants be accepted in refrigerating
refrigerants. Unfortunately some of the appliances provided that they met
more environmentally attractive options the requirements of specific product
are also flammable. Selecting alternative safety standards. In addition, they
refrigerants has increasingly become proposed rules regarding identification
a complicating factor in equipment and servicing of flammable refrigerant
design, construction, installation and containing appliances. When adopted,
use. The more widespread use of pure the rules will facilitate the use of
hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerants, flammable hydrocarbon refrigerants in the affected
hydrocarbon refrigerant blends, or halo- residential and commercial appliances.
hydrocarbon blends with flammable
However, fulfilling government
hydrocarbons has further complicated
regulations is only part of the compliance
matters, due to the risk of fire and/or
landscape for HVAC equipment and
explosion associated with their use.
appliance manufacturers. Equipment
The most significant regulation affecting must also comply with safety standards
the use of flammable refrigerants in order to be installed in a workplace or
in appliances is the Clean Air Act, (depending upon the local jurisdiction)
administered by the U.S. Environmental in other facilities. Retailers, insurers and
Protection Agency (EPA), under its other parties may also require evidence
Significant New Alternatives Policy of compliance with safety standards.
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