Glycol chillers have relied on familiar HFC refrigerants for decades — but with new federal regulations, updated safety codes, and a major push toward lower‑GWP technologies, the refrigeration landscape is changing fast. A2L refrigerants are quickly becoming the compliant, future‑ready choice for most glycol chilling applications.

Here’s what’s driving that shift — and how G&D is helping operators navigate it.

Why the Industry Is Moving Toward A2Ls

The EPA’s phasedown of high‑GWP HFCs under the AIM Act is making older refrigerants harder to source, more expensive, and increasingly restricted for new equipment. At the same time, ASHRAE Standards 15 and 34 now fully recognize A2L refrigerants and define their safety requirements. Mechanical and fire codes across the U.S. are being updated to align.

The result: A2Ls are becoming the industry’s preferred low‑GWP replacement for traditional HFCs.

What Makes A2Ls Unique?

A2Ls are:

• Significantly lower GWP than legacy HFCs
• Mildly flammable (with a very low flame‑propagation rate)
• Compatible with familiar vapor‑compression technology

That means the refrigeration fundamentals remain the same, while the environmental footprint improves.

A2Ls in Glycol Chilling

Breweries, wineries, food & beverage facilities, and industrial processors all rely on stable, reliable chilling performance. A2Ls support those needs with:

• Strong efficiency
• Long‑term regulatory compliance
• Lower environmental impact
• A familiar servicing experience for technicians

Addressing Safety

Modern A2L‑ready chillers incorporate:

• Charge‑limit engineering
• Proper ventilation strategies
• Compliant controls and components

When engineered correctly, A2L systems meet the same safety expectations as any commercial refrigeration equipment.

What About R290 and Natural Refrigerants?

While A2Ls are becoming the standard for larger commercial systems, natural refrigerants like R290 propane play an increasingly important role, especially in smaller, self‑contained systems with very low charge limits.

Both refrigerant classes support lower‑GWP, regulation‑ready cooling — and G&D offers solutions across both pathways. The right choice depends on your facility layout, local code adoption, and long‑term sustainability goals.

A Perspective from Paul Johnson, Director of Technology & R&D

“Refrigerant regulations are pushing the industry toward cleaner-impact, lower‑GWP technologies, and A2Ls are a natural next step. They let us maintain the performance customers expect while staying aligned with evolving standards — without reinventing the fundamentals of refrigeration. A2Ls give us a practical way to build efficient, reliable glycol chillers that meet modern expectations for safety and sustainability.”

Moving Forward with Confidence

A2Ls aren’t a passing trend — they’re part of a long‑term regulatory shift. Updating your equipment strategy now ensures:

• Compliance with new EPA rules
• Easier code navigation
• Long‑term serviceability
• Strong performance

G&D Chillers is here to help you evaluate your current system, plan for future requirements, and choose the refrigerant strategy that fits your operation best — whether that’s A2L, R290, or a combination of both.

Regulatory & Standards References

For readers who want to explore the regulations shaping today’s refrigerant transition, here are the official sources:

• EPA AIM Act — HFC Phasedown Overview (official federal regulations)
• ASHRAE Standards 15 & 34 — Refrigerant safety classifications & system requirements
• ICC 2024 I‑Codes — Building/mechanical code updates allowing A2L refrigerant use

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How Smart Controls and New Refrigerants Are Changing the Game

Cooling technology is evolving fast — and if your operation depends on consistent, reliable chillers, it pays to stay ahead.

At G&D Chillers, we’re right in the middle of this change, building smarter, more efficient, and environmentally friendly chillers that meet today’s challenges and tomorrow’s regulations.

Here’s a quick look at where chilling tech is headed — and what it means for you.

1. Smarter Chill(er)s: Automation & IoT Integration

Chillers today are way more than cold boxes. They’re smart machines packed with sensors, remote monitoring, and automation.

What this means for you:

• Remote Monitoring & Alerts — Track temps, pressures, and performance from anywhere. Spot problems before they shut you down.
• Predictive Maintenance — Get notified when parts start to wear, so you fix issues before they become emergencies.
• Adaptive Cooling — Systems adjust output on the fly to match process demand, cutting energy waste and keeping temps rock steady.

At G&D, we make these features user-friendly — no complicated setups or extra headaches.

2. The Big Refrigerant Shift: R-290 (Propane), A2Ls, and What’s Next

Refrigerant regulations are pushing the industry toward cleaner, more environmentally friendly options. Natural refrigerants like R-290 propane and A2L refrigerants (mildly flammable, next-gen refrigerants) are now front and center.

Here’s what you need to know:

R-290 (Propane)
Our Elite 290 Series uses propane (R-290), a natural refrigerant with near-zero Global Warming Potential (GWP). That means it’s super clean and helps you stay ahead of environmental regulations.

• It’s efficient and lowers your energy costs.
• Designed with safety in mind — minimized refrigerant charge, semi-hermetic compressors, and smart venting systems keep it safe and reliable.
• Available in compact Microseries and full-capacity models to fit your needs.

A2L Refrigerants
These next-generation refrigerants offer lower GWP than traditional HFCs and come with mildly flammable properties. G&D offers chillers designed to safely use A2Ls, giving you more options to meet your specific cooling and regulatory requirements.

R-513A
A lower-GWP refrigerant we use on many systems today, balancing performance and compliance as a transition option.

At G&D, the Elite 290 Series and A2L-compatible chillers give you clean, efficient, and future-ready options for industrial and commercial applications.

3. Modular & Custom Designs for Every Operation

No two operations are the same. That’s why modular chillers that scale with you — plus custom designs tailored to your process — are becoming the norm.

We build systems that can grow with your business, fit in tight spaces, and offer multi-zone control for complex setups.

4. Energy Efficiency Isn’t Optional — It’s a Must

With energy costs rising and sustainability goals tightening, your chiller has to work smarter:

• Variable speed pumps and fans
• High-efficiency heat exchangers
• Smart controls that avoid overcooling and waste
• Designed for easy maintenance to keep uptime high

What This Means for You

Chillers are no longer “set it and forget it.” They’re smarter, cleaner, and designed to keep your operation running longer, cooler, and greener.

Whether you’re upgrading or building new, G&D is here to help you choose the right tech — from automation and IoT-ready controls to low-GWP refrigerants like R-290 and A2Ls.

Ready to future-proof your chilling system?
Let’s talk about how we can build a solution that’s reliable, efficient, and compliant — for today and tomorrow.

— Paul Johnson, R&D and Technology, G&D Chillers

What They Are, Why They Matter, and a Practical Way to Avoid Them

What are PFAS?

PFAS (pronounced “PEA-fass”) are a large family of human-made chemicals sometimes called “forever chemicals.” They earned that nickname because they don’t break down easily in the environment and can build up over time. Governments and utilities are paying closer attention to PFAS due to potential health and environmental concerns.

How do PFAS relate to refrigerants?

Some commonly used refrigerants are fluorinated—and depending on how a regulator defines PFAS, those fluorinated gases or their breakdown products can fall into PFAS discussions. This is creating uncertainty for manufacturers that want to make long-term, compliant choices.

The bottom line takeaway for manufacturers: If your refrigerant contains fluorine, there’s a chance it could be pulled into PFAS conversations now or in the future.

One dependable way to lower PFAS risk? Choose a PFAS-free refrigerant. Like our newest breakthrough in sustainable refrigeration: The Elite 290 from G&D Chiilers.

Our newest line of Elite 290 chillers utilize Propane (R290) as a natural, hydrocarbon refrigerant. There’s no fluorine in propane, so by its chemistry it is not a PFAS. That makes R290 a straightforward option for companies looking to avoid PFAS at the source.

Why many facilities are moving to R290 systems:

• PFAS-free by design: No fluorine in the molecule.
• Low climate impact: Very low GWP compared to legacy HFCs.
• Strong performance: Excellent thermodynamic efficiency for process cooling.
• Future-minded choice: Helps sidestep evolving PFAS scrutiny while aligning with HFC phase-down trends.

What this means for your plant

Whether you run a cellar, brewhouse, packaging line, digester, CO₂ scrubber or a compressor bank, your chiller is mission-critical. When you plan upgrades, think about three boxes to check:

• Compliance longevity: Will my refrigerant choice age well as rules tighten?
• Environmental profile: Can I reduce PFAS concerns and lower climate impact?
• Operational efficiency: Will my system deliver reliable, easy-to-service uptime?

R290 can help you check all three.

PFAS FAQs (in simple terms)

Are all modern refrigerants PFAS?
No. PFAS is a broad family of chemicals; definitions vary by regulator. Many modern refrigerants are fluorinated, which is why they show up in PFAS conversations. Propane (R290) contains no fluorine and is not a PFAS.

Is R290 safe?
R290 is a flammable refrigerant, so the equipment must be engineered and installed to applicable codes with proper safety controls. In industrial settings, R290 systems are designed with these safeguards in mind.

Will R290 meet my cooling loads?
In most brewery, winery, food/dairy, biogas, and general industrial applications, yes. The right answer depends on load profile, ambient conditions, and piping/glycol design. Our engineers can model your duty cycle and size a system accordingly.

What about service and support?
G&D builds rugged, serviceable systems made in the USA, with remote monitoring and 24/7 tech support to keep you running when it counts.

How to evaluate your next chiller (quick checklist)

• Inventory your current refrigerants (model numbers + gas type).
• Flag any fluorinated gases for a risk review with EHS/legal.
• Model your annual load profile and peak demand.
• Compare total cost of ownership for R290 vs. your status quo (energy, maintenance, compliance exposure).
• Plan changeover timing to minimize downtime (off-season or scheduled outage).

Ready to plan a PFAS-aware cooling strategy?

G&D Chillers engineers natural-refrigerant, industrial-grade systems—including R290—for harsh, high-duty environments. We’ll help you compare options, run the numbers, and design a system that fits your process and your compliance roadmap.

Talk with an engineer 

Paul Johnson, G&D’s Director of Technology and R&D

In the ever-evolving refrigeration industry, advancements in technology and materials are crucial for achieving peak performance and meeting today’s challenge of mitigating climate change. One standout innovation is the use of propane (R290) as a refrigerant, a topic we recently explored with Matteo Iobbi, CTO of Frascold, a leading global manufacturer of the most technologically advanced, semi-hermetic compressors on the market today. Frascold partnered with us at G&D Chillers for our new Elite 290 propane chiller line.

Propane’s success in Europe stems from early adoption in niche markets, proving its energy efficiency, versatility, and effectiveness. Over time, stringent regulations on high Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants accelerated propane’s integration. Today, propane is a staple in mass-produced products such as heat pumps and cooling units across Europe.

As we officially launch this line using alternative refrigerants in the U.S., Matteo shared his insights on propane’s ascent in Europe over the past decade and what American end users can anticipate. Read on for our informative Q&A with Matteo.

What is your role at Frascold? 

My daily role involves relationships with customers, distributors, and other stakeholders in the refrigeration HVAC industry. This requires a tight exchange of information with our departments in our headquarters in Italy in order to better serve the U.S. market and tailoring our products.

I am also involved in industry events and initiatives where I can share insights on the latest Frascold technologies and pilot programs around the world.

How has propane taken off in Europe? And why do you think it's been successful? 

 The widespread use of this refrigerant is related to its implementation in mass production products such as heat-pumps and cooling units. The success of the R290 refrigerant comes from decades of niche market implementation, demonstrating its energy efficiency, versatility and effectiveness. Regulations on the use of high-GWP refrigerants has, of course, been an accelerator.

 As propane begins to take off in the U.S., what recommendations do you have for the end-user? What should they be aware of based on what you've seen in Europe? 

 Ensure that end-users are aware of proper installation, maintenance procedures, and safety guidelines in order to mitigate any risks. Maintenance engineers have to be trained to handle flammable refrigerant and safety devices.

 We've seen huge benefits of the Elite 290 line, both in efficiency and near-zero global warming potential. What are the major factors that have contributed to the growth and demand in the European market? 

 The fact that R290 operates within the pressure ranges that manufacturers are used to dealing with, together with efficiency levels and increased public awareness on direct and indirect emissions, have strongly contributed to the growth.

Again, the regulations made the next step in pushing this technology forward easier.

 In summary, what are some of the biggest drivers for customers moving toward propane refrigeration like our Elite 290 line?

 Outstanding seasonal efficiency, therefore indirect emissions reduced, and negligible direct emissions due to use of R290, are the main drivers. A thorough study has been done of the Elite 290, in order to minimize the charge. Being a chiller with a very low refrigerant charge, for outside installation, with state-of-the-art protection devices make the unit operationally extremely safe. Safety and seasonal efficiency are, in my opinion, the drivers.

 Were there any concerns or barriers for customers choosing propane? If so, what solutions have you seen work and have helped drive growth in the market?

 The main barrier, like in any other disrupting situations, is "we have always done it this way.” The development of dedicated safety standards and the use of advanced technology has helped to overcome these barriers. Training and education regarding safety, handling, and installation guidelines together with clear maintenance procedures have alleviated the concerns and grown the self-assurance on this type of product.

 Do you have any knowledge of where the U.S. regulatory authorities are in writing new codes or standards in allowing R290 to be more mainstream? 

 We at Frascold are closely following the evolution of the U.S. standards such as ASHRAE 15 and UL 60335-2-40, as well as the EPA's Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program. They are all moving towards the development of clear safety requirements as well as increasing the limits of the refrigerant charges.

Leading the Charge

G&D Chillers stands at the forefront of this refrigeration revolution, setting new benchmarks in efficiency and safety. As the U.S. market embraces propane, insights from industry leaders like Matteo Iobbi at Frascold underscore the importance of rigorous training, robust safety protocols, and compliance with evolving regulations. Together, we can forge a greener, more efficient future for refrigeration.

To discover your custom chilling solution, schedule your consultation with G&D Chillers’ exceptional engineering team today.

About G&D Chillers 

Since 1993, G&D Chillers have been manufacturing glycol chillers specifically for the  commercial brewing, wine, dairy, cannabis, food processing and manufacturing industries. We  are proud to provide chillers for our industry leading customers such as Ninkasi, Willamette  Valley Vineyards, Sara Lee, Angry Orchard, Stumptown Coffee, Jim Beam, Samuel Adams,  Boeing, Diageo and Brew Dr. Kombucha. With well over 6,000 clients across the U.S. and  beyond, we’ve built high-quality chilling units for specialty installations throughout the United  States, Canada, the Bahamas, India, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, Turkey, and the West Indies. No  matter what your cooling needs are, whether you require a permanent installation, a portable  chiller or a heater, we engineer the finest quality chilling systems in the USA. For more  information, visit www.gdchillers.com.