In a new video series from Motili, the company highlights PropTech, CRE, multi-family, and single-family industry news. 
 
Chris Czarnecki is Government Relations Manager at Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) and has been a strong advocate in advancing ACCA interests at the federal, state, and local levels. His input was vital in obtaining essential workers for HVAC contractors throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. He fought for several wins in the 2020 year-end federal spending bill including section 179D enabling commercial property owners to claim new tax deductions for installing qualifying, energy-efficient systems in their buildings. In this video, Chris discusses the benefits of A2L refrigerants as they are a new classification in the US and many HVAC contractors have yet to work with them. 
 
What are A2L refrigerants?
 
A2L refrigerants are a class of HFO refrigerants. They are classified in the safety group for having lower flammability; they are also referred to as mildly flammable. A2Ls are quite different than HFC refrigerants that are most commonly used in the marketplace today. 
 
HFO refrigerants have a lower GWP or global warming potential than other refrigerants, which is why we are seeing a transition to these A2L refrigerants in the states today. Under the AIM Act, which was passed as part of the 2020 year-end federal spending bill, an 85% reduction in the consumption and production of HFC refrigerants is mandated over the next 15 years. That mandate is the main driver behind this refrigerant transition. 
 
What makes these A2L refrigerants different? 
 
The number one difference in A2L refrigerants is their mild flammability. Introducing a new class of flammable refrigerants to the HVAC marketplace brings with it new risks. Even though A2Ls are considered only mildly flammable, there is still a danger associated with them and special precautions need to be taken whenever handling any mildly flammable refrigerant. 
 
Tips for contractors when handling this new type of refrigerant:
 
Flammable refrigerants may only be used in new equipment designed specifically and clearly identified for the refrigerant. Flammable refrigerants may not be used as a conversion or a retrofit of a refrigerant for existing equipment that is designed for a different or existing refrigerant. 
Technicians should only use spark-proof tools when working with these refrigerants.
Refrigeration piping should be protected from ignition sources. A2L refrigerant cylinders must have a red band on the shoulder or the top of the container to alert users that it is flammable, containing flammable compounds or mixtures that could ignite in the event of a leak or a spark.
Proper ventilation around A2L must be maintained consistently. 
 
Because of the EPA mandate, the transition to A2L refrigerants is going to happen very quickly “within the next two to three years,” says Matthew Sallee, VP of Sales, Motili. “As Chris has outlined, now is the time for HVAC contractors to get their teams ready for the transition by educating themselves on proper and safe handling of this new class of refrigerants.”
 
Motili is an integrative, HVAC technology platform that offers products and services nationwide. Motili is part of the Daikin Company, the largest HVAC manufacturer in the world, with access to thousands of contractors and distribution centers, providing scalable HVAC solutions to customers.  

Motili’s latest video includes an interview with Chris Czarnecki, Government Relations Manager at Air Conditioning Contractors of America. This video can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5hjOP5Bm44
 
Motili’s technology platform brings HVAC solutions to commercial, multi-family, and single-family property owners. Motili supports projects from 10 units to 10s of thousands of units with its platform. For more information about Motili please visit:  https://www.motili.com/