Myths About A2L Refrigerants
Multifamily owners and operations teams have questions about A2L refrigerants. There’s some good information available to answer those questions. Unfortunately, there is also a lot of inaccurate and unsupported information. This article addresses common myths about A2L refrigerants.
A2L refrigerants are changing the multifamily HVAC market. Change creates questions and concerns, which often lead to rumors, worries, and myths. Misinformation spreads fast, and it can be difficult to separate facts from speculation and assumption. False rumors we have heard when talking with customers about A2L refrigerants include:
"R-32 refrigerant is going away in a few years” or “R-32 will be gone by 2029.”
There is no indication R-32 is going away at all, much less in a few years.
- The A2L shift is a long-term transition due to phasing R-410A down over many years. There is no way R-32 will be globally phased out in 5 years.
- In 2029, HFCs will be reduced to 5% of 2015 production levels. This phase down applies to R-410A, not R-32.
"R-32 refrigerant is going away in a few years” or “R-32 will be gone by 2029.”
Proven performance and low Global Warming Potential (GWP) made R-32 popular around the world, and it will continue to be a top A2L choice for many years to come.
- R-32 has been trusted in residential HVAC applications around the world for more than a decade.
- R-32 is a key component of the other A2L option, R-454B.
- R-32 has been a trusted component in R-410A since 1996.
- R-32 costs a fraction of the other options on the market and is a great blend of efficiency and environmental responsibility.
"R-32 is highly flammable and dangerous.”
R-32 is an A2L rated refrigerant, which means it has very low flame propagation and is very safe when used properly.
- Both A2L options, R-32 and R-454B, are classified as “mildly flammable,” but this does not mean they are dangerous to use in residential systems.
- When used properly, A2L refrigerants will not propagate a flame even when coming into contact with a heat source.
"You must remove all the gas before installing an R-32 unit.”
There is no need to remove all the gas before installing R-32 equipment.
- R-32 systems are installed using the same steps as R-410A and R-454B systems.
- When following proper safety protocols, it is safe to braze during installation.
- Non-sparking tools will be needed for installation and service, however there is no need to “remove all gas before installing” an A2L system.
"Technicians need a special license to work on A2L units, in addition to the EPA 608.”
EPA 608 certification includes training on A2L refrigerants; no additional certification is required.
- EPA 608 certification is required for anyone who, in the course of maintenance, service, or repair of an appliance could be reasonably expected to violate the integrity of the refrigerant circuit and therefore release refrigerants into the environment.
- Additional training is recommended, not required, for anyone planning to work on or around A2L equipment and refrigerant.
"R-454B is non-flammable and requires no special equipment or training.”
R-454B and R-32 are both classified as A2L, which is rated as “mildly flammable.”
- While no additional training is required beyond EPA 608, Chadwell Supply recommends that technicians receive instructions on how to properly use and store these refrigerants.
- HVAC tools, such as vacuum pumps, will need to be non-sparking and rated safe to use with A2L refrigerants.
"R-454B is designed to be a drop-in replacement for R-410A.”
There are no drop-in A2L replacements for R-410A.
- R-454B was designed as a new, low-GWP refrigerant.
- R-454B requires equipment that is compatible with this refrigerant type.
We will continue to add to this list as we hear new
misinformation, rumors, or A2L myths.
Stay Informed Through Every Market Shift
As with any new, industry-shaping technology, the myths and misinformation will continue to spread. For more accurate information about R-32, A2Ls, and other multifamily HVAC topics, be sure to check out Chadwell Supply’s library of additional resources including:
