Latest news with #R-410A
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
What EPA's new coolant requirement means for your AC unit
HOUSTON - This year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency began requiring the use of new, more environmentally friendly refrigerants in new HVAC units, R-454B and R-32. A shortage of R-454B is already being reported. This means current refrigerants, like R-410A, will be phased out. While technicians say there is still a supply of R-410A, and they can still install units that use it through this year, over time it will become harder to find parts to repair older units that work with this refrigerant. What you can do Technicians recommend having your unit serviced to repair any problems before they can become worse, and owners of older units may want to consider replacing them. We talked with Joe Bany with John Moore Services about how to navigate the refrigerant change to ensure you stay cool through the summer. The Source Information in this article is from our interview with John Moore Services and the U.S. EPA.
Newsweek
28-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Air Conditioning Warning Issued as Temperatures Heat Up
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. As summer temperatures begin to rise across the country, a headache is also heating up for the air conditioning industry. A shortage of R-454B refrigerant, the eco-friendly coolant poised to replace older formulas, is threatening to disrupt cooling systems at the worst possible time. Why It Matters Manufacturers have issued warnings about potential legal and damage concerns about mixing refrigerants as a means to circumvent the shortages. A mechanic working on an outdoor air conditioner in Orlando, Florida, on October 13, 2022. A mechanic working on an outdoor air conditioner in Orlando, Florida, on October 13, 2022. Wirestock/Getty Images What Is R-454B Refrigerant? R-454B is a next-generation refrigerant developed to replace R-410A in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Its composition results in a refrigerant with a significantly lower global warming potential than older refrigerants, making it less environmentally harmful. Why Is There a Shortage? According to heating and cooling specialist Aristotle Air, the shortage of R-454B refrigerant is primarily due to a combination of regulatory changes, supply chain disruptions and increased demand. The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 mandated the use of refrigerants with a global warming potential of 750 or less by January 1, 2025. R-454B, with a global warming potential of 466, has been adopted by major HVAC manufacturers as the standard replacement for R-410A, Aristotle Air said, adding that the EPA's mandate sparked a "surge" in installations. It also reported a lack of the specialized cylinders required for R-454B, which has bottlenecked distribution. Post-COVID-19 logistic disruptions and raw material shortages have additionally limited R-454B output, and contractors, anticipating shortages, have been hoarding R-454B, further exacerbating scarcity, Aristotle Air added. Warnings While most U.S. HVAC manufacturers chose R-454B for new systems, some brands have opted for R-32. Daikin warned customers about strict EPA and Department of Energy rules on refrigerant mixing as a strategy to mitigate the shortages. "Using R-32 in an R-454B unit is not only against manufacturers' recommendations, due to differences in their chemical compositions and operating characteristics, it is also illegal," the firm said in a notice issued to customers, according to The ACHR News. "Unless an alternative has been approved by EPA's Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program (and the necessary system modifications have been made), each HVAC unit is designed for a specific refrigerant, and using a different refrigerant can lead to malfunctions or damages," the notice continued. What People Are Saying Jason Gassmann, the owner of Bell Brothers Heating & AC, told WHO 13: "The supply chain is going to be an issue if you didn't prepare for it because you won't be able to fix problems with new systems that people have paid for. That will be a huge issue as far as the pricing and stuff. Yes, the tariffs have affected the price of a cylinder of this refrigerant, because we are low on supply. It has gone up exponentially, which obviously impacts the financials of a business, which is which is hard on us." Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican from Georgia, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday: "R-410A which has been an incredibly reliable and inexpensive refrigerant is being phased out and R-454B is the new refrigerant that everyone has to buy, but can barely find. The shortage and supply of R-454B is driving the cost as high as $1,000 dollars for a 20 pound jug compared to an avg cost of $300 for a 25 pound jug of R-410A." What Happens Next The shortages could pose a concern as summer approaches and temperatures across the country begin to rise, increasing demand for cooling. Forecasters at AccuWeather are anticipating potentially record-breaking temperatures in some Western states Thursday through Saturday.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Arkema to Expand its Portfolio of Low-GWP Refrigerant Solutions
Arkema SA ARKAY is set to expand its offerings of low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants worldwide, improving access to next-generation refrigerant solutions. Through a commercial agreement with Honeywell International Inc., this portfolio expansion will enhance global supply chains, meet the growing demand for HFO (hydrofluoroolefin) blends in the HVACR sector and support the ongoing phasedown of HFCs (hydrofluorocarbon).Arkema is expanding its range of next-generation refrigerants by offering HFO blends under its Forane brand, which is widely recognized and already adopted by leading equipment manufacturers. These advanced refrigerants not only comply with HVACR industry regulations but also enhance energy efficiency for both residential and commercial applications. Among the offerings is Forane 454B, featuring a low GWP of 466 and performance characteristics similar to R-410A, making it a preferred choice for comfort cooling systems and already specified by several OEMs. Forane 448A and Forane 449A are ideal for low to medium temperature refrigeration in settings such as supermarkets, walk-in coolers and freezers, cold storage rooms and centralized rack systems. For transport refrigeration needs, Forane 452A offers a reliable alternative to R-404A. Lastly, Forane 513A delivers more than a 50% reduction in GWP compared to R-134A, making it suitable for a range of applications, including centrifugal chillers, air conditioning, heat pumps and medium temperature refrigeration. Through this expanded portfolio, Arkema supports the transition to more sustainable refrigeration delivers innovative technological solutions to address key global challenges such as new energies, water access, recycling, urbanization and sustainable mobility, while maintaining ongoing engagement with its stakeholders. In 2024, the Group reported approximately €9.5 billion in of Arkema have lost 25.1% over the past year compared with a 26.8% decline of its industry. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research ARKAY currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).Better-ranked stocks in the basic materials space include Carpenter Technology Corporation CRS, Idaho Strategic Resources, Inc. IDR and Hawkins, Inc. HWKNCarpenter Technology currently carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). CRS beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the last four quarters, with the average earnings surprise being 11.1%. The company's shares have soared 112% in the past year. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks Zacks Consensus Estimate for Idaho Strategic Resources' current-year earnings is pegged at 21 cents. IDR, carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in two of the trailing four quarters, while missing twice, with an average earnings surprise of 21.7%. The company's shares have rallied 28% in the past which currently carries a Zacks Rank #1, beat the consensus estimate in one of the trailing four quarters, while missing thrice. In this time frame, it has delivered an earnings surprise of roughly 6.1%, on average. The company's shares have rallied 57.3% in the past year. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Carpenter Technology Corporation (CRS) : Free Stock Analysis Report Arkema SA (ARKAY) : Free Stock Analysis Report Hawkins, Inc. (HWKN) : Free Stock Analysis Report Idaho Strategic Resources, Inc. (IDR) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
