Richardson-based Lennox International is getting ahead of 2025 low GWP Refrigerant regulations by launching a line of light commercial and ducted residential HVAC products that meet the new standard.
The transition to low GWP refrigerants in HVAC systems represents “a positive step for the environment,” Lennox notes, as it “significantly reduces” the impact of harmful greenhouse gases. The North Texas company says the change aligns with its “guiding behavior of sustainability and focus on caring for our communities and planet.”
Up to 78% reduction in ‘global warming potential’
Lennox’s new HVAC products will offer a comprehensive market portfolio and will use the “environmentally responsible” refrigerant R-454B—which reduces global warming potential by as much as 78%, according to the company.
“Lennox is proud to support the adoption of low GWP refrigerants,” Chief Technology Officer Prakash Bedapudi said in a statement. “By harnessing the power of advanced technologies, we will continue to not only meet industry standards, but also set new benchmarks for sustainability and performance.”
Slated for heat pumps and AC units
As the company announced in a March event for its dealer base, the residential line will include the more sustainable R-454B refrigerant in Lennox heat pumps and air conditioning units. For commercial equipment, “the full line of commercial rooftop units and ducted split systems” will feature R-454B refrigerant, including the company’s Model L and Enlight families. Refrigerant detection systems engineered to detect and mitigate leaks will be available with Lennox products as well, “providing the added flexibility for customers of being indoor or outdoor compliant.”
The need for ‘forward and backward compatibility’
Lennox noted that as products transition to meet the 2025 regulatory requirement, “the need for forward and backwards compatibility increases.” It added that earlier this year, Advanced Distributor Products became the first manufacturer to launch a multi-refrigerant coil designed to help HVAC contractors and distributors transition from R-410A to any low GWP refrigerant. ADP is also transitioning air handlers to meet the new refrigerant requirement.
In April, Allied Air Enterprises announced at its distributor meeting plans for releasing its own full line of regulatory-compliant residential and commercial equipment. Allied will be simplifying the transition to new refrigerants by having indoor coils and air handlers that are field convertible to R-454B refrigerant, Lennox said. Allied will also have refrigerant detection system kits available allowing compatibility of the existing line of furnaces with the new R-454B systems—ensuring the inventory distributors have on the ground at the end of 2024 can be used into 2025 and beyond, Lennox added.
“With our strong engineering capabilities and dedication to excellence, we’re confident in our ability to deliver superior products that meet and exceed customer expectations while advancing our sustainability goals,” Lennox CEO Alok Maskara said in a statement. “This strategic shift underscores the importance we place in protecting our planet’s future. By investing in cutting-edge technology and fostering a culture of innovation, we are fulfilling our corporate responsibility and positioning ourselves as leaders in sustainable HVAC solutions.”
The company said its new products will roll out for ordering “during the remainder of 2024, well ahead of the 2025 regulatory shift, and aligned with customer demand.”
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