Guide to the 2017 EPA Retail Food Refrigeration Regulations
EPA2017: Changing Regulations for Retail Food Refrigeration
EPA2017 will arrive soon, bringing new regulations for the retail food refrigeration industry. These changes could potentially affect you. The new regulations specify which refrigerants are being phased out and which ones meet the new EPA guidelines.
Understanding New Responsibilities
All food retailers should click on the link below to see the pending regulations and your new responsibilities. By following the four steps described, you will better understand what is changing and what you need to do to prepare.
EPA Guidelines for Retail Food Refrigeration
According to the EPA: “Retail food refrigeration, or commercial refrigeration, includes equipment designed to store and display chilled or frozen goods for commercial sale. This end-use includes the following categories of equipment: stand-alone equipment, remote condensing units, and supermarket systems.”
Navigating EPA2017 Requirements
Zero Zone acknowledges that the 2017 EPA requirements can be difficult to understand and apply to store design needs. To help you sort through all the possibilities, we offer this document to narrow down the available options. A methodical approach is recommended, involving four critical steps:
- Determine if the system is a supermarket system (rack) or remote condensing unit.
- Identify the date it will become operational.
- Determine if it’s a new or a retrofit system.
- Apply EPA rules to the system design.
Zero Zone’s Commitment to Quality
Since 1961, Zero Zone has been a leading manufacturer of high-quality, energy-efficient refrigerated display cases and commercial and industrial refrigeration systems. All of our display merchandisers are remote cases designed to be connected to individual condensing units, rack systems, or top-mount, field-installed condensing unit kits (Hybrid™ Display Cases). The display case installation should conform to local codes, including necessary permits for remote installations.
Helping Retailers Choose EPA Approved Refrigerants
This document is designed for supermarket and related food retailers to help determine the best EPA approved refrigerant to suit the retailer’s specific goals, based on comparisons of energy efficiency, GWP, refrigerant costs, and more.
Learn more here: 2017 EPA Retail Food Refrigeration Regulations