The Chemours Company has begun taking orders from North American customers for Opteon XL41 (R-454B).
Opteon XL41 is a R-410A replacement in new air conditioning and heat pump applications, offering zero ozone depletion potential (ODP).
It also provides a 78 per cent reduction in global warming potential (GWP) when compared to R-410A.
The availability of Opteon XL41 refrigerant comes approximately one year ahead of the next major scheduled step-down outlined in the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act. Starting January 1, 2024, regulations will require an additional 30 per cent reduction in hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) production and consumption.
Chemours president of thermal and specialised solutions, Alisha Bellezza, said a number of major players in equipment manufacturing recognize the environmental and performance efficacy of Opteon XL41.
It has already been selected by most leading global OEMs, including Carrier, Johnson Controls, and Rheem, which have announced alignment with Chemours for the utilization of this product. Overall, OEM system design changes required for Opteon XL41 will be minimal, and it is expected that new equipment filled with the refrigerant will start leaving manufacturing plants before 2025.
CCN is still waiting for a response from Chemours to find out when the product will be available in Australia.