A2L Refrigerants

[Admin]

It sounds like we will be using these new refrigerants sooner than later.  I have heard some manufactures, like Daikin, will use R32, while others will use R454B.

It looks like we can buy gauges for R32/454B/410A.  See attached.

I expect a new ODP course as well.

[rmuntz]

I've been shopping around for a ductless split for my house, none of the suppliers are selling anything with R32 or R454B yet. I wonder if the digital gauge manufacturers will be offering an upgrade with the new A2Ls, or will you have to buy new ones? The equipment and cylinders will be coming with 1/4" left hand access fittings, cylinders will have a red stripe.

[Admin]

Oh I see, so we probably can't reuse our hoses if the new equipment is left-hand thread.  I suspect that means a new recovery machine and cylinder too.

I was speaking to a friend who uses Fieldpiece and apparently it has a software update to support R32 and R454B.

[rmuntz]

Follow up to my heat pump search: I ended up with R410a units. I think they will make adapters for A2L, just like they do for ductless.

I have to say, I found the supply houses very difficult to deal with. I fully understand, I haven't been a contractor for a few years, but I have Refrig License and ODP license for 2 provinces, paid up to date.
I ended up buying Senville units, on Amazon, delivered to the door, and I'm happy with them.

[Admin]

I have heard that lately.  I think suppliers are running into supply issues again and they don't want to sell to anyone but the dealers or big companies.  What is causing the supply issue I'm not sure.  It may be because of all the changes coming to air conditioners and heat pumps.

I found out because of the flammability of the new refrigerants the furnaces will come with a sensor that will disable them in the event of a refrigerant leak.  Apparently older furnaces will have to be retrofitted with kits if a new refrigerant system were installed.