This product detects all CFC, HFC, and HCFC refrigerants as low as 0.006 oz/yr, including R-410a and R-507.

Refrigerant leaks in HVACR equipment – particularly commercial refrigeration systems -- are a significant problem.

Know what type of detector you are using, know how to use it, and ensure it’s capable of detecting leaks by calibrating it on a regular basis.

While servicing equipment, technicians should be on the lookout for sources of potential future leaks, as well as follow good service practices to prevent creating leaks.

Refrigerant regulations are another reason why change is coming, as HCFCs will be phased out by 2020, and given their high global warming potential (GWP), HFCs will likely be phased down in the near future as well. At some point, supermarkets will need to start considering low GWP alternatives such as HFO blends, as well as so-called “future-proof” refrigerants such as ammonia, CO2, or propane.

Manufacturers are rolling out a wide array of new equipment that utilizes all types of refrigerants, providing end users with a number of new options to consider.

These products have refrigerator and freezer model selections including both swing and slide door refrigerators and swing door freezers.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a typical food retail store leaks an estimated 25 percent of refrigerant, or approximately 1,000 pounds, annually.

The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) unveiled a new initiative identifying U.S. retailers committed to taking leadership action to reduce HFCs.

Hoshizaki America Inc. started shipping sushi cases with the energy efficient and environmentally friendly refrigerant, R600a, earlier this month.

The Refrigeration Showcase educates contractors about new refrigeration products, so they can help customers make the right choice.

Store owners and managers are always looking for ways to lower operating expenses, and their refrigeration systems can be a good place to start.

As refrigerant regulations grow more stringent, manufacturers are beginning to offer new refrigeration architectures that utilize low-GWP refrigerants.

While large grocery stores are not going away any time soon, there is a new trend taking hold in the marketplace: the small-format grocery store.

Grocers are becoming more vigilant in keeping their refrigeration equipment as clean as possible.

The equipment and components in this showcase are designed to appeal to both end users and the people who work on them in the field.

The Showcase is designed to educate contractors about the new commercial and industrial refrigeration products available.

Target and Amazon have both recently announced plans to construct new stores that contain CO2 refrigeration systems, which will help the retailers significantly reduce carbon emissions and energy use.

From ice machines to reach-ins to controls to components, the Showcase is designed to educate contractors about the new commercial and industrial refrigeration products available, so they can help their customers make the right choice for their application.

In an informative session at the NASRC’s Sustainable Refrigeration Summit, Publix and Coborn’s shared the pros and cons of incorporating CO₂ refrigeration systems into their stores.

These Emerson half-day CO₂ transcritical booster supermarket refrigeration courses will take place March 28, 29, and 30 at the Energy Education Center in Irwindale, California.

EPA recently expanded its list of acceptable refrigerant substitutes for new refrigeration equipment to include R-471A and R-515B.

At the AHR Expo, manufacturers displayed their latest commercial refrigeration equipment, which included condensing units, components, controls, and other solutions.

A New Hampshire grocer installed the innovative FlexCube refrigeration system, a modular technology using the A2L refrigerant R-454C, in his new store.

Refrigerant manufacturers highlighted their low-GWP refrigerants for both air conditioning and refrigeration applications at the 2023 AHR Expo.

Air conditioning and refrigeration are marvelous inventions and have a transformative impact on comfort and health, underscoring their irreplaceable role in modern living.

The transition to A2L refrigerants will offer benefits to the environment, as well as business challenges for HVACR OEMs, distributors, and contractors.

RDSs are generally required in A2L systems that contain more than 4 pounds of refrigerant and can either be field or factory-installed, depending on the manufacturer.

Michael Daly, chief technology officer, ECM Technologies, offers insights into the HVAC commercial market.

Manufacturers are offering low-GWP refrigerant alternatives, as EPA is proposing a 700 GWP limit for most new comfort cooling chillers starting in 2025.

The most important features of electronic measuring devices have been established in customer surveys and are discussed in this article.

Technicians have the choice of using either a digital or mechanical manifold gauge. Each one has its benefits and disadvantages, which is why it may pay to own one of each kind.

Smart HVAC systems optimize energy usage without sacrificing comfort by using data analytics and machine learning to regulate the indoor environment.

OK, you’ve exhausted all of the existing air from an interior space; now how do you replace it? You bring in makeup air from another source. For the purpose of an HVAC discussion, your source will be mechanical equipment — makeup air units.

Across the country, school administrators are realizing the importance of good IAQ and a comfortable indoor environment, which both contribute significantly to student success. 

A lot of refrigerant reclaimers aren’t charging for mixed refrigerants anymore, which may in turn, mean an opportunity for HVAC contractors to make more money.

The EPA initially faced backlash from the industry regarding the sell-through mandate for certain HVAC systems. The Agency revised the provision by allowing one additional year, until January 1, 2026.

Food retailers shared their concerns and experiences with refrigeration systems that use alternative refrigerants at the Food Marketing Institute’s (FMI’s) 2023 Energy & Store Development Conference.

The transition to A2Ls will likely serve as an interim solution. Europe has already embraced propane in certain heat pump systems, and the U.S. may follow suit, albeit with a different low-GWP refrigerant.

The rule will effectively ban the sale of non-condensing gas furnaces and, according to the American Gas Association (AGA), will affect 55% of U.S. households.

ALDI aims to become the most sustainable grocer in the U.S., by committing to transition to natural refrigerants in all stores by 2035.

In preparing for the refrigerant transition, contractors and distributors should review their inventory and become educated on the regulations.

Many of Fujitsu General America’s Halcyon mini-split system products now qualify for Energy Star Most Efficient certification.

With over 1,000 Sunday service attendees and many church activities throughout the week, energy efficiency for the sake of cost savings was critical.

Both commercial facilities and residential domiciles are taking advantage of heating and cooling technology at accelerated rates.

As HVACR technology advances, contractors often find themselves navigating new learning curves on a regular basis. VRF is no exception.

Troubleshooting refrigeration systems can be complex and frustrating, so put aside any assumptions and inspect the system thoroughly before making any diagnosis.

Contractors need to implement a refrigerant management strategy that accommodates both legacy and A2L systems, as well as emphasizes recovery and reclamation.

Timely refrigeration repairs are crucial to avoid product loss; temporary fixes can sometimes keep systems running until parts arrive.

Since President Joe Biden invoked the DPA back in June 2022, HVAC-related energy efficiency incentives and renewable energy technology, have made their way into the spotlight. Many of those who work in the geothermal industry have been “waiting for this day” for decades.