International policy on retrofit

Organisations from a number of countries, including AREMA have signed up to a commitment to encourage industry to use the right refrigerant.

They represent manufacturers that are committed to a healthful environment and who produce more than 90% of the world’s heating and cooling equipment. The equipment they produce provide the  cornerstone of modern society by providing comfortable, productive, and clean indoor environments,
refrigeration for the global food chain, and safe and readily available medicines.

Equipment manufacturers choose refrigerants as part of overall equipment design and the choice of
appropriate refrigerant can vary by application. Appropriate refrigerant choice needs to balance a broad range of issues, including: performance, energy efficiency, safety, longevity of equipment, ease of use, cost and environmental characteristics.

There are increased safety and environmental risks associated with the use of refrigerants in refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment that are not specifically designed for their use.  The service industry is encouraged to only use refrigerant in equipment where approved by the original equipment manufacturer.

The combined organisations are encouraging governments to work with industry to make the entire HVACR supply chain and the public aware of these cautions and if necessary to regulate and develop an enforcement regime.

Click here to download the policy.