Cold Comfort in a Changing Climate: Navigating Freon Changes in Mortuary Refrigeration for 2025

27 Jun, 2025
Posted by: American Mortuary Coolers

For decades, the term "Freon" was synonymous with cooling, a household name for refrigerants used in everything from air conditioners to commercial freezers. While "Freon" is a brand name, it typically referred to a class of chemicals called hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and later, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Now, a significant shift is underway, and its impact is reaching even the specialized world of mortuary refrigeration.

The Driving Force: Environmental Regulations

The upcoming changes in 2025, primarily driven by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, are part of a global effort to phase down refrigerants with high Global Warming Potential (GWP). Many HFCs, including commonly used R-404A in mortuary freezers and coolers, are potent greenhouse gases. Their release into the atmosphere contributes significantly to climate change.

The goal is a substantial reduction in HFC production and consumption, with a phasedown target of 85% by 2036. This means that starting January 1, 2025, there will be restrictions on the use of higher-GWP HFCs in new refrigeration equipment, including those crucial for mortuary cold storage.

What Does This Mean for Mortuary Coolers and Freezers?

The immediate impact for mortuary facilities revolves around new equipment and potentially servicing older units:

New Equipment: Any new mortuary cooler or freezer purchased or installed after January 1, 2025, will need to utilize low-GWP refrigerants. Manufacturers are already transitioning their product lines to comply with these regulations. This often means new equipment might come with a higher upfront cost due to the implementation of new technologies and safety features required for alternative refrigerants.
Existing Equipment: Facilities are generally not required to immediately replace existing equipmentthat uses older, high-GWP refrigerants like R-404A. These systems can continue to be operated and serviced. However, the availability and cost of these older refrigerants are expected to decrease and increase, respectively, over time as the phasedown progresses. This could make repairs more expensive or challenging in the future.
Leak Detection and Management: Stricter rules are in place for systems containing 15 pounds or more of HFC refrigerants. This mandates more frequent leak detection and prompt repairs to minimize emissions, with increased fines for non-compliance. Accurate record-keeping of refrigerant usage and repairs will be essential.

The New Players: Alternative Refrigerants

So, what refrigerants will be keeping mortuary cold storage at optimal temperatures moving forward? The industry is largely moving towards:

HFO Blends (Hydrofluoroolefins): These are synthetic refrigerants designed with significantly lower GWP values (often less than 10). They are considered a safe and efficient alternative, and some blends are even mildly flammable (classified as A2L), requiring specific safety considerations in equipment design.
Natural Refrigerants: Options like CO2 (Carbon Dioxide - R-744) and Hydrocarbons (e.g., Propane - R-290) are gaining traction due to their extremely low GWP (typically 1 or 3). While highly efficient, they often require specialized systems due to higher operating pressures (for CO2) or flammability concerns (for hydrocarbons), necessitating stricter safety protocols and specialized components.
Specific HFC Alternatives: For direct replacements of R-404A, blends like R-448A and R-449A are often cited. These offer substantial GWP reductions compared to R-404A while maintaining good performance.

Preparing for the Future: A Strategic Approach

For mortuary facilities, proactive planning is key to navigating these changes smoothly:

Audit Existing Systems: Understand what refrigerants your current coolers and freezers use. Document their age, condition, and potential lifespan.
Plan for Replacement: Factor in the upcoming regulatory changes when budgeting for new equipment. Research low-GWP compliant models and discuss options with trusted refrigeration providers.
Prioritize Maintenance: Regular maintenance, leak checks, and prompt repairs on existing units will extend their lifespan and help manage refrigerant costs.
Educate Staff: Ensure that any staff involved with refrigeration equipment or maintenance are aware of the new regulations and the proper handling procedures for alternative refrigerants.
Stay Informed: The regulatory landscape can evolve. Stay connected with industry associations, equipment manufacturers, and HVACR professionals to keep abreast of the latest compliance requirements and technological advancements.

The 2025 refrigerant changes are more than just a regulatory hurdle; they represent an opportunity for the mortuary industry to embrace more sustainable practices while continuing to provide essential, dignified care. By understanding these shifts and planning accordingly, facilities can ensure their cold storage solutions remain reliable, efficient, and compliant for years to come.