What increasing HVAC refrigerant regulations mean for your ICT infrastructure cooling
There are stricter regulations on refrigerants in both the EU and the US. If your business relies on HVAC systems, it’s time to start planning for compliance.
There are big changes happening in HVAC. In response to climate change, governments around the world are introducing new restrictions on refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP). These changes aim to reduce the environmental impact of HVAC systems, but they also mean businesses need to adapt by finding compliant alternatives and making system upgrades.
What are the refrigerant regulations in the EU vs the US?
There are some differences in regulations in the EU as compared to the US with regards to timelines and steps to compliance.
The F-gas regulations in the EU
Europe is at the forefront with refrigerant regulations. The updated F-gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573 builds on the 2014 version and aligns with the Paris Agreement goals. It introduces tighter restrictions to phase out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and promotes the use of natural refrigerants and other low GWP alternatives.
By 2050, HFCs will be phased out in Europe entirely. This means businesses need to act now to ensure compliance with upcoming deadlines. The deadlines vary depending on the product. Vikinor’s air conditioners and thermosiphon heat exchangers, for example, fall under the stationary air conditioning equipment and heat pumps sector.
