News & Updates
Applicable Region: Massachusetts, United States
November 2024 – BBRS issues an advisory document regarding the use of ASHRAE 15 2022 in compliance with the 10th Edition Massachusetts Building Code (780 CMR)
On November 12th, 2024, the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (“BBRS”) issued an advisory document pertaining to HVAC equipment utilizing A2L refrigerants. The document reiterates that the published version of the 10th edition code did adopt the latest referenced standards pertaining to A2Ls, including ASHRAE 15 and 34 2022, as well as UL/CSA 60335-2-40 2022, but admits that there are still conflicts between these standards and certain provisions of IMC 2021, which BBRS is working through (referring to the remaining DXS code change proposals still making their way through the process).
However, BBRS then advises that HVAC installations abiding by these updated standards, including ASHRAE 15 2022, are approvable by inspectors pursuant to 780 CMR 104.11. The document concludes with this statement: “BBRS is of the opinion that equipment utilizing A2L refrigerants when installed in compliance with the updated safety and design standards, is legal and appropriate for installation in Massachusetts based upon the 10th Edition Building Code”.
This advisory document is key to the progression of A2L adoption in Massachusetts, allowing designers to use the latest and safest language surrounding A2Ls, which is ASHRAE 15. This solves key conflicts with IMC 2021, such as R-32 and R-454B being classified as A2 refrigerants, the dated language requiring ventilated shafts, the lack of proper formulas for EDVC quantities, and more. This compliance path will eventually be officially written into the 10th Edition Building Code as an amendment to Chapter 28, but in the meantime, this advisory document allows project teams to begin designing with A2L refrigerants. Note that the 9th Edition Building Code, based on IMC 2015 and ASHRAE 15 2013, remains an issue for HVAC equipment of all types using A2L refrigerants.
To view the advisory document, please click here.
Applicable Region: Massachusetts, United States
October 2024 – Tenth Edition CMR 780 has been signed by the Secretary of State and is effective for use in Massachusetts
The tenth edition building code was filed with the Secretary of State on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, and became effective on October 11, 2024. Concurrency with the 9th Edition of the Building Code has been extended until June 30th, 2025. However, the 9th Edition, being based on IMC 2015 and ASHRAE 15 2013, does not have references or allowances for A2L refrigerants. Projects wishing to use HVAC equipment with A2L refrigerants will need to adhere to the 10th Edition Building Code or attempt to petition BBRS under a 9th Edition compliance.
Two of the eight DXS code change proposals approved by BBRS in July of 2024 have made it into this original version of the 10th Edition Building Code, updating the ASHRAE 15/34 and the UL/CSA 60335-2-40 referenced standards. The remaining six code change proposals (including the one creating the alternate compliance path to IMC 2021 using ASHRAE 15 2022 exclusively) are still making their way through due process. BBRS will be issuing an advisory document explaining that installations abiding by ASHRAE 15 2022 are in compliance with the 10th Edition Building Code.
The 10th Edition CMR 780 Building Code can be found here.
Applicable Region: Ontario, Canada
August 2024 – TSSA adopts CSA B52-2023 and allows the installation of R-32 systems
TSSA has adopted the new version of CSA B52-2023, and here is a link to their website that includes their code adoption document along with additional details. TSSA will allow the industry to take advantage of the new code from the publication date (August 15, 2024), meaning that applications submitted with reference to CSA B52-2023 will now be accepted and considered during inspections.
DXS Ontario strongly supports and welcomes this adoption, as CSA B-52 2023 will allow for the design and installation of R-32 HVAC systems in commercial buildings, further moving our industry towards lower GWP refrigerants and reducing emissions. The standard is similar to ASHRAE 15 2022 and includes many additions and clarifications that improve the design and applicability of R-32 splits and VRV systems. Daikin is leading the industry in transitioning their residential and light commercial air conditioning and heat pump and VRV systems over to the lower GWP refrigerants, and many of these products are available today.
Contact us to learn more about CSA B-52 2023 and how to apply next generation R-32 systems to your next project.
Applicable Region: Massachusetts, United States
August 2024 – DXS Service transitions to using certified U.S. reclaimed R-410A refrigerant
Consistent with our commitment to decarbonize buildings with high-efficiency heat pumps, ventilation, and automation, DXS Service is also committed to supporting the circular economy of refrigerants. Transitioning to lower GWP refrigerants such as R-32 is key for new systems moving forward, however, there are millions of pounds of R-410A refrigerant currently sitting in HVAC equipment on existing buildings across North America. One of the most important steps that we can take as an HVAC industry to reduce emissions from refrigerants, is to ensure that as many of those pounds of R-410A get properly removed from the field (at end of life or during repairs) and taken to certified reclaim facilities. Doing so properly prevents that refrigerant from being leaked into our atmosphere, but it also reduces the amount of new virgin refrigerant that must be manufactured, and the energy and emissions required to do so.
The DXS service team performs extensive maintenance and repair work on Daikin VRV and splits systems, and as a result, is handling thousands of pounds of R-410A each year. Moving forward, DXS is committed to only using certified U.S. reclaimed R-410A refrigerant for each and every Daikin VRV and split system that we maintain or repair. This commitment also includes ensuring that every pound of R-410A recovered from the field makes its way back to certified recycling and reclaim facilities.
Please contact us to learn more about recycling refrigerants, and obtaining certified U.S. reclaimed refrigerants for your projects.
Applicable Region: Massachusetts, United States
July 2024 – BBRS votes in favor of all 8 DXS Code Change Proposals to 10th Edition Code for A2Ls
On July 9th 2024, BBRS voted in favor of the remaining 6 of 8 DXS code change proposals submitted in March (see previous news segments below). As a result, BBRS has now voted in favor of all DXS code change proposals, almost in their entirety, with only a few modifications. Below is an overview of the accepted proposals:
- An official alternate compliance path will be created to allow for the exclusive use of the 2022 version of ASHRAE 15 in lieu of Chapter 11 of IMC on refrigeration
- Some key sections of IMC 2021 Chapter 11 will be updated to match the ASHRAE 15 2022 language, making the IMC 2021 compliance path also feasible with A2Ls for some equipment types.
Being able to exclusively follow the 2022 version of ASHRAE 15 will make the design and application of A2L systems simpler and safer, for both distributed DX systems and packaged systems. One key item for distributed DX systems is the exception to shaft requirements, which as previously written in IMC 2021 was limited to A1 refrigerants like R-410a, but is now open to all refrigerants.
The exact final language still needs to make its way into 10th edition code, which is estimated to happen in August or September. This signifies major progress for the safe and cost-effective adoption of A2L refrigerants in the Commonwealth, especially for distributed DX systems commonly used in decarbonization projects of commercial and multi-residential buildings.
Please contact us to learn more about the incoming changes to our 10th edition code!
Applicable Region: United States
June 2024 – U.S. EPA publishes proposed one-year sell-through extension for VRF systems
As anticipated, the EPA plans on providing a one-year sell-through extension for VRF systems, similar to the one-year sell-through extension already in place for mini/multi-splits and other air-conditioners and heat pumps. As a result, VRF systems using R-410a can be installed through 2026, so long as they were manufactured in the U.S. or imported into the U.S. prior to 1/1/2026. This rule is out for proposals with a 30-day public comment period but is expected to be put in place as-is.
View the latest proposed ruling here.
The phase-out of R-410a in new VRF systems will therefore mimic that of mini/multi splits and other air-conditioners and heat pumps, other than both the “manufacture/import by date” and the “install by” date being one year later. Below is an overview of the different deadlines, assuming this latest ruling is published as-is.
Applicable Region: United States
April 2024 – International Code Council approval regarding ASHRAE 15 2022 alignment for 1109.2.5 Refrigerant Pipe Shafts
The International Code Council (ICC) voted on multiple items for the 2024-2026 Code Development Cycle during the April 2024 Committee Action Hearing (CAH1). ICC has unanimously voted (14-0) to update the language of IMC clause 1109.2.5 Refrigerant Pipe Shafts to better align with ASHRAE 15 2022, where exception (2) to the requirement for shafts is no longer limited to only A1 refrigerants. The change allows A2L refrigerants to be run in wall cavities instead of being forced to run in shafts, so long as the refrigerant concentration limits are met in any occupied space through which the piping passes.
This approval demonstrates ICC’s commitment to updating language around A2Ls using ASHRAE’s guidance and standards. The substantiation of the vote also confirms that the reason why IMC 2021 and IMC 2024 did not have the proper ASHRAE 15 language was due to a timing issue. For more information on this item, or to obtain links to the specific items and votes, please contact the DXS Refrigerant Transition Team.
Applicable Region: Massachusetts, United States
March 2024 – BBRS passes a key DXS Code Change Proposals to the 10th edition code
On March 27th 2024, BBRS passed a motion to accept one of the DXS code change proposals to the 10th edition code, and to adopt the 2022 version of ASHRAE 15. The 10th Edition code will now have an MA Amendment to update the referenced standard of ASHRAE 15 from 2019 to 2022. This is a big step towards the adoption of lower GWP A2L refrigerants in the State of Massachusetts. This does result in conflicts between the adopted ASHRAE 15 standard (2022) and the language in IMC (2021). ASHRAE 15 2022 has the latest and most recent published language surrounding refrigerants, but due to model code cycles, there is often a lag in language adoption. IMC 2024 has updated and resolved some of these conflicts, but conflicts still exist, and more updates are expected to be adopted by IMC 2027.
BBRS will also be updating the referenced UL equipment standard (UL 60335-2-40) to the latest edition (2022). UL 60335-2-40 2022 has its own language and safety requirements for all equipment using A2Ls, many of which extend into project specific design and installation of systems. All A2L equipment will be manufactured with certain safety features as per the standard, however, there are once again conflicts between UL, ASHRAE and IMC.
Please contact the DXS Refrigerant Transition Team to learn more about the remaining proposed amendments and petitions to the 10th edition code.
Applicable Region: Massachusetts, United States
March 2024 – HTS/DXS submits a total of eight (8) detailed code change proposals to the 10th edition code to BBRS surrounding the adoption of A2Ls
On March 6th HTS/DXS submitted a total of eight (8) code change proposals to the 10th edition code, amending six (6) sections of IMC 2021’s Chapter 11 on refrigeration as well as two (2) referenced standards in Chapter 15. The proposed changes would allow ASHRAE 15 to be followed exclusively in lieu of Chapter 11 of IMC 2021, and with the referenced version of the standard being updated to 2022, this would allow the State of Massachusetts to use the latest published language surrounding A2L refrigerants. Other changes also update different key sections of IMC 2021 Chapter 11, bringing the language up to IMC 2024 or ASHRAE 15 2022. HTS/DXS is looking for letters of support from the industry to BBRS for these code change proposals.
Please contact the HTS DXS Refrigerant Transition Team to learn more about the planned code change proposals, and / or to offer a letter of support.
Applicable Region: Massachusetts, United States
February 2024 – HTS/DXS testifies to BBRS at the 10th edition code open hearing surrounding the adoption of A2Ls
On Wednesday, February 14th, JS Rancourt (Principal, HTS New England, DXS New England, and DXS Ontario) testified in front of BBRS in preparation for the submission of a long list of code change proposals to the 10th edition code surrounding the adoption of A2Ls. As the only testimony of the day on the topic of refrigerants, the request for attention to this topic was well received, and BBRS suggested that HTS/DXS take the lead in aligning the industry on the required language updates.
HTS/DXS now has a few weeks to finalize and submit official code proposal changes to BBRS for their review during this open comment period. Please contact the HTS DXS Refrigerant Transition Team to learn more about the planned code change proposals.
