The EPA proposed to limit the global warming potential (GWP) of refrigerants in new comfort cooling equipment manufactured on or after Jan. 1, 2025, to 700 GWP.

The guidance follows through on President Biden’s National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan

The more stringent standards found in health care settings, where people are immunocompromised or more vulnerable because of age, need to be extended to other settings.

This phasedown will decrease the production and import of HFCs in the United States by 85% over the next 15 years. 

For new residential and light commercial central air conditioning equipment, the AHRI petition seeks a regulation requiring that equipment manufacturers use refrigerants with a global warming potential (GWP) of 750 or less in equipment made after Jan. 1, 2025, with the exception of variable refrigerant flow (VRF) equipment, whose deadline would be Jan. 1, 2026.

Examining the missing science behind the measurements, means, and methods necessary to make IAQ relevant and beneficial to all stakeholders.

Establishing enhanced routine cleaning and disinfection procedures in offices, factories, distribution warehouses, call centers, pharmacies, grocery stores, and other non-health care workplaces is a critical step in reducing exposures and the risk of infection.