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.