What do Refrigeration Regulations mean?
Refrigeration regulations are essential for several key reasons:
- Reduce Environmental Impact: Limit the emission of substances that can deplete the ozone layer or contribute to global warming, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
- Enhance Energy Efficiency: Set standards for the energy efficiency of refrigeration systems to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Ensure Safety: Establish safety standards for the handling, storage, and transportation of refrigerants to protect workers and the public.
- Promote Sustainable Practices: Encourage the development and use of environmentally friendly refrigerants and technologies.
Overall, refrigeration regulations are vital for safeguarding the environment, promoting public health and safety, ensuring sustainable development, and meeting international climate goals.
EPA Regulations
AIM Act • American Innovation and Manufacturing Act
The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, enacted on December 27, 2020, as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, grants the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to manage hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) through three primary actions:
- Phasing Down HFC Production and Consumption: The AIM Act mandates a gradual reduction in the production and consumption of HFCs by 85% by 2036. This phase-down aligns with global efforts to reduce the environmental impact of HFCs, which are potent greenhouse gases contributing to climate change.
- Facilitating the Transition to Next-Generation Technologies: The Act promotes the adoption of newer, more environmentally friendly technologies to replace HFCs. By imposing sector-specific restrictions, it encourages industries to innovate and transition to alternatives with lower global warming potentials (GWPs).
- Managing Refrigerants: The AIM Act establishes regulatory requirements for the proper management of refrigerants. This includes maximizing the reclamation and recycling of HFCs and minimizing their release from equipment. These measures aim to reduce emissions, improve recycling practices, and ensure safe handling and disposal of refrigerants.
The EPA finalized the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act rule on October 5, 2023. This Act restricts the use of high-Global Warming Potential (GPW) hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). For more information read our AIM Act Blog or visit the EPA website.
Learn how EPA is identifying substitutes, ways to submit a substitute, and why substitutes lower risk to human health and the environment.
SNAP • Significant New Alternatives Policy
The Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program implements Section 612 of the amended Clean Air Act of 1990, which requires EPA to evaluate substitutes for the ozone-depleting substances to reduce overall risk to human health and the environment. Through these evaluations, SNAP generates lists of acceptable and unacceptable substitutes for each of the major industrial use sectors. The intended effect of the SNAP program is to promote a smooth transition to safer alternatives.
The SNAP framework also considers the following:
- Looks at overall risk to human health and the environment of both existing and new substitutes;
- Publishes lists of acceptable and unacceptable substitutes by end-use;
- Promotes the use of acceptable substitutes; and
- Provides the public with information about the potential environmental and human health impacts of substitutes.
Energy efficiency standards for refrigerators and freezers to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact, improving performance and lowering energy use.
DOE • Department of Energy Regulations
Zero Zone’s commercial refrigeration products meet or exceed DOE standards. The DOE has updated test procedures for commercial refrigeration equipment, including new definitions, test procedures, enforcement provisions, and methods for volume determination. These changes align with recent waivers and will be mandatory on September 20, 2024.
State Regulations
California
California mandates that new retail food refrigeration systems in new facilities must use refrigerants with a GWP of less than 150 in equipment containing 50 pounds or more of refrigerant.
California Significant New Alternatives policy (SNAP) affects these systems/equipment:
- Any new installation with new and/or used components
- Any modification where the compressor capacity is increased, or the cumulative replacement of parts exceeds 50% of the total cost of a system replacement
- Any installation in a new facility with new and/or used components and any existing facility that has replaced at least 75% of its evaporators and all its compressor racks, condensers, and connected evaporator loads
New York
New York has released Part 494, a proposed amendment to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). The proposed rulemaking does not require the replacement of any existing equipment or product before the end of its useful life.
The new rules also establish new requirements for leak inspections, leak repairs, recordkeeping, and leak reporting for owners and operators.
Part 494 Amendment affects these systems/equipment:
- Manufactured after the effective date of this part
- Retrofitted after the effective date of this part
- Expanded by adding components to increase system cooling or nominal capacity
- 75% or more of its evaporators and 100 percent of its compressor racks, condensers, and connected evaporator loads
Washington
The Washington Department of Ecology has provided further regulations to the AIM Act. On November 30, 2023, two new rules were adopted, 173-443 WAS, Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and 173-445 WAC, Air Quality Fee Rule.
The new rules affect these systems/equipment:
• Any modification that increases compressor capacity
• Cumulative replacement of 75% or more of its evaporators and 100% of its compressor racks, condensers, and connected evaporator loads
• Retrofits: any changes in lubricants, gaskets, filters, driers, valves, o-rings, or appliance components
For more information read our tech bulletin about the Washington Administrative Code Prohibited Substances
NATURAL REFRIGERATION SOLUTIONS
Discover Zero Zone’s Natural Refrigeration Solutions, which use eco-friendly natural substances instead of synthetic refrigerants. These innovations reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable refrigeration.
At Zero Zone, sustainability is at the core of everything we do.
We are committed to minimizing our impact on the environment. By adopting refrigerants with lower GWP and zero ozone-depleting potential, we align ourselves with international agreements and regulations that promote responsible refrigerant use.
Learn more about our commitment to preserving the planet’s ecosystem.