Restrictions on the import and manufacture of small air-conditioning systems using high-GWP refrigerants begins today, 1 July, 2024.
The regulations apply to outdoor units for a single-head split air conditioning system, portable air conditioners and window/wall air conditioners.
It covers air conditioning equipment using refrigerants with a GWP above 750.
Refrigerants commonly used for this type of equipment that will no longer be allowed to be imported include R410A (GWP of 2,088) and R134a (GWP of 1,430).
Refrigerants used for this type of equipment that can continue to be imported include R32 (GWP of 675) and R290 (GWP less than 5).
The regulatory updates also introduce new penalties introduced by the federal government under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act.
The a/g director of the mercury, ozone and climate protection section of the Department of Climate Change, Rachel Gregson, outlined the changes at ARBS where she provided a comprehensive update on the HFC phase down.
Gregson said the federal government is looking at ways to accelerate the transition as some sections of industry are moving slower than expected.
For example, commercial refrigeration continues to rely on R404A which is why the government is considering further restrictions.
High leak rates are another problem that needs to be considered which is why the federal government has commenced consultation with industry to address the R404A issue.
Gregson said the automotive cooling sector has also been slow to move away from R134a.
Many heat pumps are still using HFCs which is why rebates are coming under scrutiny.
The Victorian Energy Upgrade program has capped GWP for hot water heat pumps at 700 from 1 July, 2024.
Following are restrictions for 2024 and 2025.
Restrictions on the import and manufacture of the following equipment will come into force from 1 July 2024:
- outdoor units for a single-head split air conditioning system
- portable air conditioner
- window/wall air conditioners (a single unit designed to be fixed to a window or wall).
Restrictions on the import and manufacture of the following equipment will come into force from 1 July 2025:
- outdoor units for a multi-head split air conditioning system
The restrictions will apply to air conditioning equipment that:
- is designed to cool or heat, or both, a stationary space for human comfort
- has a standard refrigerant charge of 2.6 kilogram or less (per the compliance plate or manual)
- contains, or is designed to operate with, an HFC refrigerant that has a global warming potential (GWP) of more than 750.
From August 1, 2024, the lists of qualifications, units of competency and standards required for a refrigerant handling licence and an extinguishing agent handling licence will be moved from the regulations to a separate legislative instrument made by the minister.
This will facilitate the review and update of codes, standards and qualification requirements, which currently require a regulation change.