Columbus ASHRAE hosted the first YEA learning event in October. The meeting focused on new refrigeration regulatory changes.
Special thanks to chapter president Bryan Crnarich, P.E., LEED AP, CEM for all of the great insight.
Key takeaways on HVAC Refrigerant Transition:
Refrigerant Evolution:
Shifting from R-410A to A2L refrigerants like R-454B and R-32
Goal: Reduce Global Warming Potential (GWP)
Slightly flammable, but designed for safety
Compliance Highlights:
Ohio adopting 2024 mechanical codes and ASHRAE standards
Deadlines for residential/commercial HVAC equipment transitions
New focus on refrigerant charge limits and leak detection
Critical Design Considerations:
Effective Dispersal Volume Coefficient (EDVC) calculations
Mitigation valve placement for VRF systems
Leak detection strategies for mechanical rooms
Potential exemptions for fire-rated shafts with refrigerant piping
Technical Innovations:
R-32 refrigerants offer improved heating efficiency
Smaller equipment footprints
Advanced leak detection and safety protocols
The presentation provided a comprehensive overview of the refrigerant transition, emphasizing safety, compliance, and technological adaptation in HVAC.