Carrier has selected R-32 refrigerant to replace R-410A refrigerant in commercial chillers that use scroll technology.

The R-32 was chosen for its lower GWP than the 410A, energy efficiency, availability and ease of use. In Europe, refrigerant will be offered in some chiller scroll from the first half of 2020. Introductions will follow in other regions and all will comply with the Kigali amendment standards of the UN Montreal Protocol which will come into force in 2023.

Chris Nelson, HVAC President, Carrier said: "After careful consideration of the options, Carrier selected the R-32 for chillers and scroll heat pumps for its least impact on the environment."

According to the Company, the use of R-32 refrigerant and the adequate design of the systems will reduce the refrigerant footprint by 80% in commercial chillers and heat pumps. This is due to the much lower GWP and significant reduction in the system's refrigerant charge compared to the previous generation using R-410A.

This choice follows choices made previously by the Company to lower the GWP of the refrigerants of its machines. In 2018 Carrier had chosen the R-454B, known commercially as Puron Advance ™, as a solution to replace the R-410A in some residential and commercial products that use scroll compressors sold in North America. Carrier also announced commitments to move to low GWP refrigerants with the selection of HFO R-1234ze (E) for screw chillers in Europe in 2015, the introduction of R-513A in centrifugal and screw chillers in 2018 and finally the introduction of the award-winning AquaEdge® 19DV centrifugal chiller with HFO R-1233zd (E) in 2016.