What’s the Big Deal About the Refrigerants in My AC System?

Hear from Trane refrigerant expert, Keri Taylor, on upcoming and ongoing changes to refrigerant use in commercial buildings, what you can do to ensure you are ready, and how Trane can help.

Keri Taylor, Building Services Sales Leader

Published: June 15, 2023

Keri, what’s happening with refrigerants in commercial building air conditioning?

The most common refrigerants used in air conditioning are fluoride-containing hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) – and the EPA is phasing them out due to their high global warming potential (GWP). Next-generation refrigerants, which are non-ozone-depleting with ultra-low GWPs and very short atmospheric lives, must fully phase in by 2036.

Why is that so difficult?

It’s hard to beat HFCs for their cooling efficiency. For many owners replacing HFCs means balancing doing what’s right and what stakeholders expect with what is feasible based on operating budget and other business priorities.

What’s the solution?

Manufacturers are developing new HFO refrigerants – (hydrofluoro-olefins and hydrochlorofluoro-olefins) that don’t warm the planet. Every OEM will make replacement recommendations based on a variety of factors, including availability and cost.

What options do building owners have?

In general, they have three choices:

Upgrade technology. Buy and install new equipment that uses new preferred refrigerants and refrigerant substitutes. Also, updating to newer controls and building management systems can make regulatory compliance easier.
Change out refrigerants. Some units may be retrofitted to use HFO refrigerants. That gets tricky, so be sure to ask an expert like Trane.
Carry on as usual. Regulations allow building owners to continue using installed HFC air conditioners.

What can building owners do?

Contact Trane and we can help you and your operations understand the options, evaluate the choices, and determine your next steps.

Ready for a conversation? Contact us.

Learn more about refrigerant hazards and solutions from environmental scientists at Drawdown.com

Keri Taylor

Keri serves as Building Services Salesd Leader at Trane, headquartered North America in Davidson, NC. Trane, a brand of Trane Technologies, is a world leader in climate solutions. She has held several roles at Trane including Director of National Accounts Services, Director of Strategic Sales for CRE (Commercial Real Estate) and as the vertical market leader for CRE and helps guide product development and innovation for the industry. Keri has been with Trane/Ingersoll Rand since 2011 and has had a significant impact in helping achieve its goals in the CRE & Key Accounts Service Segment and continues to be recognized as a leader across all segments of Trane Technologies.

Keri Taylor is also an active member of the Building Owners & Managers Association (BOMA) International’s Association, BOMA Fellow, International Community Service Committee Chair and an active industry thought leader, speaker, and participant on many of BOMA’s regional and international committees. She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing and Management from the University of Kentucky’s Business school and is an Alpha Omicron Pi alum.