TOPIC: The R-410A Phase-out and its Effects on the HVAC Industry
By: Tony Mormino
In this presentation, we will discuss the status of the current EPA refrigerant regulations, including the EPA's NOPR (notice of proposed rule), the critical milestones for R410A equipment manufacturing, and the current R410A phase downtime schedule.
We also show the properties of the two via R410A alternatives, R32 and R454B. In particular, we understand the meaning of A2L refrigerants as explained in ASHRAE 34-2022, Designation and Safety Classification of Refrigerants, which is a shorthand way of naming refrigerants and assigning safety classifications based on toxicity and flammability data.
We delve into the benefits and drawbacks of each low GWP refrigerant, exploring factors such as its global warming potential, energy efficiency, and flammability.
Refrigerants play a critical role in the functioning of air conditioning and refrigeration systems. They are responsible for transferring heat from the indoor or outdoor space to the refrigeration unit, allowing for temperature control. However, the impact of refrigerants on the environment is a growing concern. Many commonly used refrigerants have high global warming potential (GWP), contributing to climate change. In recent years, there has been a push to develop and adopt refrigerants with lower GWP, leading to new refrigerants with unique properties.
Two such refrigerants are R32 and R454B. R32 is a pure hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant, while R454B is a blend of HFC and hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerants. While these refrigerants offer lower GWP, they have unique properties that distinguish them from each other.
Both have similar performance to R410A. Both have a lower GWP than R410A. Both are classified as A2L, mildly flammable refrigerants.
What you will learn from this presentation:
1. Critical milestones for R410A equipment manufacturing and the current R410A phase downtime schedule.
2. The status of the current EPA refrigerant regulations, including the EPA's NOPR (notice of proposed rule).
3. The properties of the two via R410A alternatives, R32 and R454B.
4. What is an ASHRAE 34 A2L "Mildly Flammable" refrigerant.
Speaker Bio:
Tony Mormino is a highly experienced engineer in the HVAC industry with over 25 years of mechanical and sales experience. He began his career in 1997 after graduating with an engineering degree from the University of Florida. Throughout his career, Tony has held various positions, including account executive, sales manager, and rep partner, providing him with valuable insights and knowledge of the HVAC industry.
Tony is the Technical Sales and Marketing Director at Insight Partners, managing the company's technical sales and marketing activities across North and South Carolina and Georgia. He is also the host of The Engineering HVAC Podcast, where he shares Insight Partners' professional experience and expertise with mechanical contractors, building owners, and mechanical engineers in the HVAC community.
In early 2020, Tony, along with Insight's President, Mark Murray, and the rest of the leadership team, created a mission to provide high-quality HVAC training to engineers, contractors, and owner communities using the most convenient online platforms. To achieve this goal, they use YouTube, LinkedIn, and Podcasts to offer monthly live-streaming PDH events and the only HVAC podcast for engineers - The Engineering HVAC Podcast.
Tony is passionate about building the Insight brand on social media and giving back to the HVAC community.
The company's efforts have ushered in a new era for HVAC education, where they take advantage of available technology to make continued education an interactive and engaging experience.
In 2021, the team identified a need for intensive in-person HVAC training in the service community, leading them to launch their innovative Insight Service Academy. They exceeded their goal of training 510 service techs by the end of2022, showcasing their commitment to providing top-notch HVAC training to their community.
Outside of work, Tony is married with three teenage children and lives in a log cabin in historic Marshall, NC. He enjoys hiking, RV travel, and exploring the mountains of Western North Carolina.
Meeting Schedule
11:30 - Registration/Network
Noon - Lunch and Presentation