AHRI Responds to Counterfeit Refrigerant Reports, Offers Guidance to Detect and Avoid

February 12, 2013 Contact: Francis Dietz, Vice President, Public Affairs Direct: 703.600.0355 AHRI Responds to Counterfeit Refrigerant Reports, Offers Guidance to Detect and Avoid   Arlington, VA – The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) today published a white paper, Reports of R-134a Contaminated with R-40 and Other Refrigerants, to assist contractors and others in the industry in identifying and avoiding counterfeit refrigerants. “Members of the Chemicals and Refrigerant Reclaimers and Mobile Refrigeration product sections of AHRI are taking these claims very seriously,” said AHRI President and CEO Stephen Yurek. “Refrigerants contaminated with R-40 pose the risk of explosion, so we must make every effort to detect its presence and ensure that its concentration is below the maximum level recommended by AHRI Standard 700.” Recently, R134a, R-22, R-404a, and R-410a have been found to be counterfeit and in some instances badly contaminated. In order to avoid counterfeit refrigerants, the white paper recommends knowing your supplier, properly verifying refrigerant prior to use or servicing equipment, and properly labeling and isolating contaminated refrigeration systems. The white paper also offers methods to detect contaminants, and steps for remediation.  The white paper is available here.    ###   About AHRI The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) is the trade association representing manufacturers of air conditioning, heating, commercial refrigeration, and water heating equipment.  An internationally recognized advocate for the industry, AHRI develops standards for and certifies the performance of many of these products.  AHRI’s 309 member companies manufacture quality, efficient, and innovative residential and commercial air conditioning, space heating, water heating, and commercial refrigeration equipment and components for sale in North America and around the world.