While progress has been made in phasing out ozone-depleting substances, the focus has shifted to natural refrigerants— such as hydrocarbons, ammonia, and carbon dioxide— as sustainable alternatives with minimal global warming potential( GWP). NAVIGATING SA’ S REFRIGERANT TRANSITION: A ROADMAP FOR THE HVAC & R INDUSTRY
Supplied by A-Gas
As South Africa approaches the final stages of the Montreal Protocol, the phaseout of hydrochlorofluorocarbons( HCFCs) is nearly complete.
Since the start of the phasedown in 2013, many businesses in the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration( HVAC & R) industry have transitioned to using hydrofluorocarbons( HFCs). While these are not ozone-depleting, their high global warming potential( GWP) means that they too are subject to phasedowns over the coming decades. When making refrigerant choices during the current phaseout of HCFCs it is crucial to keep in mind that the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol( which was signed in 2019 and asks industries and governments to reduce the production and consumption of HFCs by 80 % over the next 30 years) will take effect in 2029, beginning a mandated 10 % reduction in HFC volumes based on the baseline years of 2020 – 22.
South Africa’ s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment( DFFE) continues to develop the national strategy for the phasing down of high- GWP refrigerants, but looking at global trends provides a likely blueprint. Countries that have already implemented similar transitions typically target high- GWP gases first.
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until 2040. The need for the industry to transition to environmentally responsible alternatives is imperative. The current focus for the South African refrigerant industry is the phaseout of R22, which has been the refrigerant of choice for use in refrigeration, air conditioning and cooling systems for decades.
The shift from HCFCs( like R22) raises several questions for stakeholders as they navigate the best refrigeration choices, such as:
1. Can I continue using my existing
R22 system and R22 refrigerant? The availability of R22 refrigerant is expected to diminish as manufacturers face restrictions, leading to a decrease in imports. Consequently, as demand rises and availability wanes, prices are likely to increase. Nevertheless, if effective Lifecycle Refrigerant Management( LRM) is implemented— specifically, the recovery and reclamation of R22 to meet AHRI specifications— R22 may remain accessible even after the quota reductions take effect.
2. Can I retrofit my existing R22 system and use an alternative refrigerant? Retrofitting with HFCs is an option. However, most drop-in replacements are
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blends, which introduce challenges such as glide, reduced performance and limitations on top-filling due to blend imbalances that reduce system efficiency. Multiple factors like oil type, compressor type, valves, performance impacts and retrofit system costs are all important considerations.
3. Should a phased approach be adopted to my system changes? Installing systems that initially use R404A or R507 can be cost-effective in the short term, but these refrigerants are among the first targeted for phaseout under the Kigali agreement. A more future-proof solution is investing in equipment that is capable of handling next-generation refrigerants, for example, R448A( GWP 1494) and R449A( GWP 1504). These systems can later transition to even lower-GWP A2L refrigerants like R454A( GWP 270) or R454C( GWP 166) with minimal adjustments.
4. Should existing HCFC systems be replaced? If so, what is the best alternative? While natural refrigerants like R744( CO₂) and hydrocarbons are the ultimate solution, one needs to consider the high initial costs, technical expertise requirements, high pressures, high running costs and flammability concerns.
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THE CASE FOR FUTURE- PROOF SYSTEMS
Investing in flexible systems allows businesses to align refrigerant use with Kigali phasedown requirements in mind and avoid frequent equipment reinvestments. Compressors designed to accommodate both current and future refrigerants ensure a smoother transition. By initially using R404A, R507, R448A or R449A, businesses can shift to blended refrigerants like R454A or R454C when Kigali regulations demand lower-GWP solutions and these refrigerants become readily available / more viable in Article 5 countries.
However, those alternatives require meticulous system maintenance and commissioning. Leaks and improper handling can significantly impact performance, highlighting the need for robust upkeep protocols.
KEY INDUSTRY PATHWAYS
The industry now faces three viable options: 1. Maintain and retrofit Continue using R22 systems with R22 until the supply runs out or pricing becomes unaffordable to the end-user. Another option is retrofitting these systems with drop-in replacements to maximise the lifespan of existing equipment.
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