12
Refrigerants No Longer Allowed In Canada
R-12 (CFC). R-12, a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), was banned in Canada in 1994. This refrigerant was
commonly used in refrigerators and air conditioners but is no longer permitted in any new equipment.
R-22 (HCHC). R-22, a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), is being phased out globally and will be completely
banned by 2030. While it has a lower ODP (0.055) compared to R-12, it still contributes to ozone depletion
and has a significant GWP of 1,810. In Canada, the import and manufacture of R-22 have been prohibited
since January 1, 2020, although existing equipment can still be serviced with recycled or reclaimed R-22 until
2030.
R-404A. R-404A has been widely used for low and medium temperature applications, but Canada banned
its use in new equipment and for servicing existing equipment without an “essential-purpose” permit since
December 31, 2019.
Being Phased Out
R-410A. Currently common, but likely to be phased out soon.
R-134a. R-134a is widely used in air conditioning and refrigeration globally. Although it does not contribute
to zone depletion, it has a high GWP (1430). While R-134a is still available for servicing existing systems, its
use in new equipment is being restricted.
Today’s Common Refrigerants
R-290 (Propane). Increasingly popular due to its low GWP (6), zero ODP, and its high energy-efficiency. It’s
drawback is flammability, that necessitates safety measures for transportation and storage. R-290 offers
shorter compressor run times, lower energy consumption and the coldest holding temperatures.
R-600a (Isobutane). Common in smaller refrigeration units, featuring low GWP (3) and zero ODP.
R-744 (Carbon Dioxide). Very low GWP (1), zero ODP, non-flammable, non-toxic, and efficient, R-744 is
increasingly being used in supermarkets and industrial refrigeration. It’s drawback is that it requires a high
operating pressure requiring specially designed components.
R-717 (Ammonia). While it’s toxic and requires careful handling, it’s widely used in large industrial
refrigeration plants due to its excellent thermodynamic properties.
Refrigerants
The refrigerant is the blood of the refrigeration system. While a restauranteur does not need to
understand the technical nature of different types of refrigerants, it is important to understand when
buying new or repairing existing equipment that the refrigeration industry is in a state of transition due
to legislation forcing manufacturers away from high-GWP (Global Warming Potential) and high-ODP
(Ozone Depletion Potential) refrigerants. The following is a quick summary of refrigerants in Canada: