The refrigerant and HVAC industries are undergoing significant transformations with the push for low global warming potential refrigerants. They are designed to reduce the environmental impact of cooling systems, compared to traditional refrigerants. A low-GWP refrigerant offers an optimized balance between performance, safety, and sustainability as it can enhance energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of a system. Keep reading to explore in detail about these refrigerants and why they are the future of cooling systems. 

What is a low GWP refrigerant?

They are designed to have a low global warming potential (GWP). This means they contribute less to global warming compared to hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and other traditional options. This GWP value measures the amount of heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere over a certain time period, usually 100 years, relative to carbon dioxide (CO2), which has a GWP of 1. 

Low GWP alternatives such as hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) meet the international environmental regulations by helping reduce the environmental impact of cooling systems and minimizing their contribution to climate change, while still delivering excellent performance. 

While there’s no official fixed scale that defines what is considered a low, medium or high GWP, industry standards and regulatory bodies often use the following range:

• Low GWP ≤ 150

• Medium GWP 150 to 2,500

• High GWP > 2,500

Why the change to A2L?

This shift is driven by both environmental factors and advancements in technology. Here are some of the key reasons why regulatory bodies are promoting these alternatives:

Lower GWP

A2Ls have much lower GWP values than traditional refrigerants. For example, R-32 has a GWP of 675, which is just a fraction of R-410A’s GWP of 2,088. 

Increased energy efficiency

Many refrigerants that belong in the A2L classification offer enhanced energy efficiency over their high-GWP counterparts. This means that an HVAC system that utilizes an A2L can operate more efficiently and reduce energy consumption.

Safety considerations

While they are mildly flammable, they are also classified as non-explosive and have a slow burn rate. Although their introduction does involve updated safety standards and handling procedures, they pose a much lower risk than A3 refrigerants, such as propane, which are highly flammable. This balance between low GWP and manageable safety risks makes them an ideal solution. 

Technological advancements

Advances in refrigeration and cooling systems also allow for the safe and effective use of these refrigerants. Innovations in design, material, and safety measures allow manufacturers to adapt the existing systems for the mildly flammable properties of A2Ls without compromising safety or performance. 

How do low-GWP refrigerants perform?

Many of these refrigerants feature better thermodynamic properties which allow for enhanced heat transfer in the refrigeration cycle. With optimized system design, they can reduce the energy consumption of compressors and heat exchangers. 

In addition, some existing systems may need to be retrofitted to maximize the performance of A2Ls. This usually involves some technological modifications, such as variable-speed compressors and smart sensors. Also, to allow for better matching of its properties with the system’s operational needs, it may be necessary to modify evaporator and condenser designs. 

Let us ease your transition to a low-GWP refrigerant

Our reliable and experienced professionals at the Gustave A. Larson Company are here to provide you with the necessary information, equipment, and training for a streamlined shift to advanced refrigerants that are less harmful to our environment. Whether you cater to the needs of residential or commercial systems or both, we can provide you with comprehensive support. Give us a call today and experience all the benefits of working with industry’s leading experts dedicated to your success!