12
13
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-efÏciency. 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 efÏcient, 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.
Size, Capacity & Configuration
When considering your menu, what items
will you need to freeze or refrigerate?
Are you a scratch kitchen or will you bring
in products already prepped or somewhere
in between?
Are there types of equipment on the market
that can make your workflow easier and
more efÏcient?
As with any significant purchase, asking the right questions comes first. With refrigeration being a
critical component of any food service establishment, purchasing the correct equipment for your needs
is paramount to ensuring smooth operations of your restaurant. To assist you in making the best
decision for your establishment, regardless of type, here is a general list of questions to guide you
through your purchase:
How energy efÏcient is the product?
Are there additional rebates available to you
if purchasing energy efÏcient appliances?
The long term return on investment on
efÏcient units is usually high if you can
access rebates.
Questions to Ask!
What volume of food will you be producing?
How much space do you have?
Is the kitchen well ventilated? (This will help
you decide on whether you use top mount,
bottom mount, or remote compressor)
How many stations will you have in your
kitchen/establishment/restaurant?
Type of Equipment
Energy Considerations
Is the equipment easy to clean?
What ongoing maintenance needs to be
done? Can you do this yourself or do you
require a technician?
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
What is your budget?
Are there leasing or renting options available?
Price & Budget
What brands are reputable and have a good
track record in the commercial kitchen
equipment industry?
What are the warranties on the equipment?
Are parts easy to access from local
distributors? (This becomes especially
important for foodservice establishments in
more remote areas of Canada.)
Brand & Warranty
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: