The EPA has announced the coming final approval of HFC-32 (R-32) refrigerant for use in certain refrigeration and air conditioning applications.
This final action addresses President Obama’s Climate Action Plan that calls on EPA’s Significant New Alternative Policy (SNAP) program to identify and approve additional climate-friendly chemicals as determined by the EPA.
Daikin Industries submitted the R-32 to the EPA. The agency’s SNAP approval means R-32 can be safely managed in any home air conditioning application in the US, says Daikin CEO Takeshi Ebisu.
HFC-32 (R-32), a chlorine-free, single-component refrigerant, offers a global warming potential of about one-third compared to currently used R-410A refrigerant.
When used in approved refrigeration and air conditioning products, up to 30 percent less refrigerant is needed for proper charge levels compared to R-410A refrigerant, further reducing potential climate impact.
Successfully used across Asia, it is estimated that HFC-32 (R-32) refrigerant is contained in approximately 8 million total units in Japan and in approximately 5 million units manufactured by Daikin. HFC-32 (R-32) will be approved for use in equipment meeting the requirements of UL Standard 484 and the use conditions of the EPA SNAP approval. Such equipment includes package terminal air conditioners, window room air conditioners and portable air conditioners.
