Chemours ceases sales of refrigerants R-404A and R-507

What it means for code officials

HFCs and the 2020 AIM Act

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are fluorinated gases developed as replacements for ozone-depleting substances. They are typically used where ozone-depleting substances were traditionally used: refrigeration, air conditioning, fire suppression, foam blowing, aerosols, and semiconductor manufacturing.

Although HFCs do not deplete the stratospheric ozone layer, they can have impacts on the climate hundreds to thousands of times greater than the same amount of carbon dioxide (CO2). An HFC’s impact on climate is measured by its global warming potential (GWP).

The American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 (AIM Act) is part of the U.S.’s efforts to comply with the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Montreal Protocol), a global agreement to phase down the production and consumption of ozone-depleting chemicals worldwide. The AIM Act targets a 40 percent phasedown of the U.S. production and use of HFCs from historic baseline levels by 2024 and an 85 percent phasedown by 2036.

R-404A and R-507 are two HFCs that continue to be widely used in supermarket refrigeration systems and other commercial equipment. Although manufacturers have offered lower GWP replacements since 2015, Chemours’ recent announcement to halt sales of R-404A and R-507 in the U.S. will help meet the AIM Act targets by hastening their replacement.

Architect Reviewing Construction Plans on Drafting Table for Business and Work Solutions

Impact on code officials

The International Mechanical Code (IMC) requires that the code official be notified before exchanging a refrigerant gas in an existing system; the International Fire Code (IFC) regulates the discharge of certain types of refrigerants; and the Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) requires any change in refrigerant be approved by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). Where these codes are adopted and enforced, code officials can expect increased notifications of refrigerant exchanges.

There are several essential reasons why prior notification or approval is needed.

Why notification is needed

Safety Concerns: Different refrigerants have varying properties, including flammability, toxicity, and pressure requirements. Some newer, lower-GWP refrigerants can be flammable (such as hydrocarbons) or mildly flammable (such as hydrofluoroolefins), posing different safety risks than older, non-flammable refrigerants. Ensuring that the system is compatible with the new refrigerant and that critical safety measures are in place is essential to prevent accidents such as fires, leaks, or explosions.

System Compatibility: Not all refrigeration systems are designed to operate with every type of refrigerant. Using an incompatible refrigerant can lead to system malfunctions, inefficiency, or failure. Notification or approval helps ensure that a professional evaluation is conducted to confirm that the existing system can safely and effectively use the new refrigerant.

safety staff and warning sign flammable refrigerant service indicator and read technical manual operator manual opering instruction refrigerant safety group

Glass globe encircled by verdant forest flora, symbolizing nature, environment, sustainability, ESG, and climate change awareness

3. Environmental Protection: Improper handling and exchange of refrigerants can lead to leaks, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and ozone depletion (in the case of older refrigerants). The notification process helps ensure that the refrigerant exchange is conducted in a manner that minimizes environmental impact.

4. Code Compliance: Building codes and standards, including those set by the ICC and NFPA, provide guidelines for the safe installation, operation, and maintenance of refrigeration systems. Notification and approval ensures that the refrigerant exchange adheres to these codes, which are designed to protect public health and safety.

Documentation and Traceability: Requiring notification or approval creates an official record of the refrigerant exchange, which is vital for future inspections, maintenance, and potential troubleshooting. It also helps ensure that trained and certified personnel carry out the work in accordance with current codes and standards.

Training and Expertise: A notification process helps ensure that individuals involved in the refrigerant exchange are adequately trained and knowledgeable about the specific properties and handling requirements. This reduces the risk of mishandling and ensures that all safety protocols are followed.

A jurisdiction’s notification and approval process prior to conducting a refrigerant exchange helps ensure the process is conducted safely, legally, and in a manner that protects both people and the environment.