Page 4 of 4

How have alternatives been accepted?

Ken Ponder: “We're disappointed that compressor manufacturers haven't adopted and condoned the use of alternative refrigerants as much as they have accepted R-410A. If there's a shortage, there's got to be a service gas that's used. It can be any of the alternatives, as long as some gets traction in the residential marketplace.

“The commercial refrigeration sector, for example, has made some progress. It's opening the door for several of the other alternatives to be recognized as a service gas in place of R-22.

“Compressor manufacturers say they're not sure about materials compatibility. However, they build R-134A and R-410A compatible compressors. If you look at the materials in those compressors as being nearly identical, it doesn't require a big leap of faith to realize that here's a fluid that has both of the refrigerants in it that run in either of the two independent compressors. There's nothing in the gas to hurt the compressor to begin with.

“The dependability of oil return is another issue compressor manufacturers are concerned about. And I understand. If I were them, I wouldn't make a blanket statement that it will run in any system without doing the tests. But, at the same time, none of them involve themselves with the refrigerant manufacturers enough to inquire about how those systems are performing.”

How will systems evolve in the future?

Bob Swilik: “I think higher efficiency standards are coming. We'll have to push the technology beyond where it is today, and look at things such as variable speed compressors, more zoning, better humidity control for tighter homes, and energy recovery ventilators. Those types of things will become more prevalent.”