As the foodservice industry adapts to the refrigerant phasedown mandated by the AIM Act, operators must make informed decisions about which refrigerants best meet their operational needs. The choice depends on regulatory compliance, system design, budget, and external environmental factors.

Ambient temperatures play a crucial role in the efficiency and performance of different refrigerants, further complicating the decision-making process. Ambient temperature refers to the average temperature of an environment, specifically the temperature of the air as measured by a thermometer. This is a particularly important consideration for outdoor applications.

This article provides an overview of refrigerant categories, examines key options like R-290, A2Ls, and CO2, and explores how external temperatures affect their performance. We’ll also provide a reference table summarizing refrigerant types to help guide your decisions.

Refrigerant
Refrigerant Categories R-290 A2L C02 Refrigerant Safety Key Takeaways

What Are Refrigerants, and How Are They Categorized

Refrigerants are substances used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems to transfer heat, enabling cooling. They are categorized based on their chemical properties, environmental impact, and safety considerations. Here’s an introduction to the key categorizations:

  1. Global Warming Potential (GWP):

Measures the environmental impact of a refrigerant relative to CO2. Lower GWP values are better for the environment.

2. Flammability Classification:

Refrigerants are categorized into safety groups:

  • A1: Non-flammable (e.g., R-134a, R-410A).
  • A2L: Mildly flammable (e.g., R-454a, R-454c).
  • A3: Highly flammable (e.g., R-290).

3. Toxicity Classification:

Refrigerants are also classified as either:

  • A: Low toxicity, or
  • B: High toxicity (rarely used)

All common foodservice refrigerants fall under low-toxicity categories.

4. Operating Pressure:

High-pressure refrigerants like CO2 (R-744) require specialized equipment, while others operate at moderate or low pressures.

Refrigerant Reference Table

R-290 (Propane): A Top Choice for Reliability & Versatile Ambient Performance

R-290 is a hydrocarbon refrigerant with ultra-low GWP and excellent energy efficiency. It’s especially suitable for small, self-contained refrigeration systems commonly used in foodservice.

Impact of Ambient Temperatures

R-290 performs efficiently across a broad range of ambient temperatures, making it a practical choice for most foodservice environments. However, in extremely high temperatures (above 110°F), its efficiency can decrease slightly, requiring careful system design to maintain performance.

Advantages of R-290

  • Long-term compliance with environmental regulations.
  • Low operating costs due to high energy efficiency.
  • Suitable for most climates with minor performance adjustments.

Challenges of R-290

Its classification as an A3 refrigerant (highly flammable) limits its charge size based on international codes. However, advances in safety measures make it a reliable choice for foodservice operators. 

A2Ls: A Flexible but Conditional Option

A2Ls, such as R-32 or blends like R-454A, represent a middle ground between high-GWP HFCs and hydrocarbons like R-290.

Impact of Ambient Temperatures

A2Ls perform well in moderate ambient temperatures but can lose efficiency in very high or low extremes. Their mild flammability makes them more suitable for larger systems than R-290, especially in areas with moderate climate conditions.

Advantages of A2Ls

  • Lower flammability risks than R-290.
  • Moderate GWP, offering a transition away from high-GWP HFCs.
  • Compatible with larger systems and remote refrigeration units.

Challenges of A2Ls

Regulatory variability is a significant concern. States with strict environmental policies, like California, may impose restrictions on A2L use, and leak detection requires more sophisticated solutions due to the mild flammability of A2L refrigerants. This may require adopting advanced technologies and stricter safety standards to reduce the risk of potential hazards. Additionally, their moderate GWP may not meet future regulatory requirements, making them a less permanent solution.

CO2 (R-744): High Performance with High Costs

CO2 is a natural refrigerant with a GWP of 1, making it an ideal choice for long-term compliance. However, its high-pressure requirements and sensitivity to ambient temperatures limit its applicability.

Impact of Ambient Temperatures

CO2 systems excel in cold climates, where their efficiency and performance shine. However, in warm climates, their efficiency drops sharply, often requiring additional cooling measures that increase system complexity and costs.

Advantages of CO2

  • Long-term compliance with the lowest possible GWP.
  • Safe to use due to non-flammability.
  • Ideal for large-scale applications like supermarkets or food storage warehouses.

Challenges of CO2

  • High equipment and installation costs due to its high-pressure requirements.
  • Efficiency challenges in warm climates, where additional cooling measures may be required.

Refrigerant Safety: Toxicity, Flammability, and Our Commitment to Safe Systems

Understanding refrigerant safety is essential when evaluating options for your refrigeration system. Two critical factors in refrigerant safety are toxicity and flammability, which are categorized by the UL Safety Standards.

ASHRAE Safety Classifications

ASHRAE classifies refrigerants based on two primary criteria: toxicity and flammability.

Toxicity:

  • A: Low toxicity (requiring higher concentrations for harmful effects).
  • B: Higher toxicity (greater health risks in case of leaks).

Most refrigerants used in —such as R-290, A2Ls, and CO2—fall under A (low toxicity), meaning they are not harmful in normal operating conditions. In the unlikely event of a refrigerant leak, the concentrations needed to cause harm are very high. Our systems are designed with safeguards, such as leak detection and alarms, to further ensure safety.

Flammability:

  • A1: Non-flammable (e.g., CO2, R-134a, R-410A).
  • A2L: Mildly flammable (e.g., R-32, R-454A).
  • A3: Highly flammable (e.g., R-290).

Flammability Concerns:
R-290, classified as A3 (highly flammable), requires lower in foodservice applications. However, with proper system design, including ventilation, charge limits, and leak detection, R-290 systems are safe for use.

A2Ls, classified as mildly flammable, offer safety advantages over A3 refrigerants. They are widely used in larger systems and present lower risk. However, in certain areas with stringent local regulations, their use may be restricted.

CO2 (R-744), classified as A1 (non-flammable), carries no flammability concerns, which makes it a safe refrigerant choice, though it is more expensive to install due to its high operating pressure.

At Norlake, every system we build—regardless of the refrigerant used—is designed to meet or exceed industry safety standards. We ensure systems are fully compliant with UL Safety Standards, incorporate leak detection, and are engineered with fail-safes to prevent issues before they arise.

ASHRAE Refrigerant Classifications Chart

Key Takeaways for Foodservice Operators

Choosing the right refrigerant requires careful consideration of several factors:

  1. Climate and Location: R-290 is a great choice for most climates.
  2. System Size and Application: Small, self-contained systems benefit most from R-290, while larger or centralized systems may require A2Ls or CO2.
  3. Budget: R-290 offers an affordable solution that guarantees long-term compliance based on the requirements outlined in the AIM act.
  4. Regulatory Compliance: Operators in heavily regulated states must carefully evaluate the restrictions on A2Ls and consider future-proof options like R-290 or CO2.

Why Our Expertise Matters

As one of the few manufacturers in the foodservice industry to design and build refrigeration systems in-house, we bring unmatched expertise to the table. Our systems are engineered to:

  • Maximize efficiency across various refrigerant types.
  • Ensure compliance with evolving regulations like the AIM Act.
  • Guarantee safety and reliability, no matter the refrigerant.

With our in-depth knowledge and commitment to innovation, we help foodservice operators navigate the complexities of refrigerant regulations and select the best solutions for their needs, ensuring long-term success without the risk of last-minute upgrades or compliance issues.

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