Daikin Announces Initiative with ESCO Institute to Educate HVAC Industry on Next-Generation Refrigerants

Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, Inc. (Daikin), a global leader in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) manufacturing, is proud to announce a groundbreaking initiative aimed at educating the HVAC industry on the transition to Low Global Warming Potential (GWP) Refrigerants and the advanced equipment designed to utilize them.

As the HVAC industry continues to evolve, traditional refrigerants and the equipment that operate with it are being phased down/out in favor of alternatives known as LowGWP refrigerants. These new refrigerants, many of which are classified by ASHRAE as A2L, along with the HVAC equipment utilizing the new Low-GWP refrigerants, do not currently require specialized training for safe handling and transportation, but it is recommended for technicians and others who will be working with these new A2L refrigerants to become comfortable with the changes.

To support HVAC professionals in navigating these changes, Daikin has teamed up with the ESCO Institute to offer the "Low-GWP Refrigerant Safety: Flammable and Mildly Flammable (A2L) Refrigerants" course. This immersive learning course makes it simple to learn about the essential knowledge and skills needed to safely work with these refrigerants through interactive exercises.

Key Topics Covered:

• Refrigerant Safety: Fundamental principles and best practices.
• Introduction to Low GWP Refrigerants: Understanding the environmental and regulatory landscape.
• Refrigerant Properties and Characteristics: Detailed insights into various refrigerants.
• The Refrigeration Cycle: Core concepts and applications.
• Working with Refrigerant Blends: Techniques and considerations.
• Proper Installation and Service Guidelines: Standards for effective practices.
• Flammable Refrigerant Considerations: Safety measures and protocols.
• Associated Codes and Standards: Compliance with EPA SNAP Program, ASHRAE Standards 15 and 34, UL 60335-2-40, NFPA 55, and Safe Refrigerant Transition Task Force (SRTTF) guidelines.

Target Audience

This course is designed for all HVAC industry professionals who will be working with the new A2L refrigerants, regardless of what stage they are at in their HVAC career, or brand of equipment.

How to Enroll

This immersive learning course is available through the HVAC Learning Campus. To enroll and start enhancing your expertise in next-generation refrigerants, follow the steps below. In addition, contact your local Daikin distributor to learn more about the array of in-person and online training available.

Enrollment Steps:

1. Go to HVAC Learning Campus
2. Click “Sign In” in the upper right corner
3. Click “Create Account” or enter username and password if you already have an account
4. From the drop-down menu next to your name in the upper right corner, select “My Trainings”
5. Search for “ESCO Institute Low GWP (A2L) Refrigerants”

Did You Know?

• A2L cylinders will feature a spring-loaded pressure relief valve instead of a rupture disc.
• A2L cylinders will have a red marking for easy identification.
• Most A2L equipment will require refrigerant detection systems (RDS).
• New NFPA fire safety storage requirements apply to Low GWP Refrigerants.
• There are over 280 million Low GWP Systems already installed in more than 60 countries.

These essential updates are crucial for working with new equipment. Daikin is committed to making it simple for HVAC professionals to educate themselves on the next generation of refrigerants.

Are You A2L Ready?

”At Daikin, we understand that leadership in manufacturing requires a commitment to standards, excellence, and education. As the HVAC industry transitions to next-generation refrigerants and equipment, we are dedicated to educating not only our clientele but the entire industry. It’s not about making an immediate sale; it’s about building a pipeline of qualified technicians,’ said Jeff Bledsoe, Manager Contractor Development, Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, Inc. “As one of the world’s largest HVAC manufacturers, we view this as part of our commitment to the industry. We are extremely proud to provide these resources and assistance to those who want to be proactive in their preparedness for the refrigerant transition.”