Current HVAC Industry practice includes the gradual phasing out of refrigerants with high Global Warming Potential (GWP) this will mean and the eventual end to HFCs such the 410a, R134, R404c etc. These are the common refrigerants found in air conditioning equipment, heat pumps and refrigeration units. In addition, a group of refrigerants previously considered to be the future replacement for HFC known as HFOs are now facing bans in the EU due to their inability to break down and possibility to contaminate soils and water ways.

This leaves only a group of refrigerants collectively referred to as Natural Refrigerants that have both minimum impact on global warming and can be safely disposed of at the end of their useful life. This group of refrigerants includes CO2 (R744), Propane (R290) and Ammonia, Manufacturers are already offering chiller / heat pump equipment with a choice of these refrigerants and depending on the application such systems can provide higher levels of performance than HFC charged equivalent. For example, CO2 has been shown to be very efficient at producing the high temperatures required for domestic hot water. Ammonia chillers can also provide vary efficient chilled water delivery with the ability to produce simultaneous heating. And propane has shown to provide impressive efficiencies across a full range of heating operation. There are some additional precautions required to implement these technologies so talk to us about how we can coordinate your specific project.