Purpose of Montreal Protocol
International treaty intended to engage world nations in phasing out production of substances shown to deplete stratospheric ozone and adversely impact climate change. Of particular interest to HVAC, refrigerants have shown ozone depletion and global warming potential. The Montreal Protocol presents the terms and dates of phase-outs of several refrigerants used in HVAC equipment.
Timeline of Montreal Protocol:
- 1987: Terms of treaty agreed on.
- 1989: Treaty ratified by 198 nations across the world.
- 2010: Phaseout of R-22 equipment with timeline of R-22 refrigerant production to gradually reduce to zero by 2020. Industry adopts R-410A as primary refrigerant.
- 2019: Kigali Amendment to Montreal Protocol laying out terms of phaseout of HFC refrigerants like R-410A and R-134a
- 2025: Phaseout of R-410A and R-134a equipment effecting all comfort cooling/heating systems including RTUs, chillers, split systems, etc.
- 2026: Phaseout of R-410A in VRF systems.
How does this affect you?
Starting January 1st, 2025, HVAC equipment, excluding VRF, will not be available with R-410A or R-134a. Refrigerant will still be available for some time, but refrigerant production will be phasing down, similar to how the industry handled the phase down of R-22. Major manufactures are switching over to R-32 or R-454B for R-410A equipment. R-513A will be commonly used in place of R-134a chillers. HVAC technicians and service personnel will carry different refrigerants depending upon the manufacturer. R-32 is not a blended refrigerant so it can be added to units without evacuating all the refrigerant in the unit. R-454B, much like R-410A, is a blended refrigerant so it is highly recommended all refrigerant be evacuated from the unit prior to adding any new R-454B. This helps maintain proper mixtures of the blend to maintain unit capacities and efficiencies.
Major Manufacturer Plans:
AAON:
R-454B for all RTU’s and split systems and most chillers;
R-513A for medium pressure chillers
Captive Aire
R-454B for all RTU’s
- Carrier
- R-454B for all RTU’s and split systems and most chillers;
- R-513A for medium pressure chillers
- Daikin
- R-32 for all RTUs and split systems and, most chillers;
- R-513A for medium pressure chillers.
- Greenheck
- R-454B for all RTUs
- JCI/York
- R-454B for all RTUs and split systems and most chillers; R-513A for medium pressure chillers.
- Lennox
- R-32 for all RTUs and split systems.
- Trane
- R-454B for all RTUs and split systems and most chillers;
- R-513A for medium pressure chillers
- LG
- R-32 for all split systems.
- Mitsubishi
- R-32 for all split systems.
How does EMA recommend you move forward?
EMA recommends moving forward with any new equipment purchased to utilize the low GWP refrigerants. Verify with manufacturer on timing of equipment availability.
For all additional inquiries contact the experts at EMA at - refrigerants@emaengineer.com or (903) 581-2677.
