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The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates which refrigerants may be used and how refrigerants must be handled. It is important to note that individual states may write their own refrigeration regulations above and beyond the EPA regulations.

Since 2015, EPA has proposed several rules, but some of those rules have been vacated in court. We understand that it may be confusing which rules still apply. Please read below to understand which regulations will come into effect in January 2019.

SNAP Program, Prohibited Refrigerants, and California

What is the SNAP Program?

EPA regulates which refrigerants may be used for new or retrofit refrigeration through the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program.

Which refrigerants were affected by recent EPA rules?

EPA released Rule 20 and Rule 21 through its SNAP program, which delisted refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP). This prohibited common refrigerants such as R-134A, R-404A, and R-507A. However, EPA was challenged in court and lost on Rule 20, which means it has been vacated and will not go into effect. It is possible that Rule 21 will also be vacated, but the courts are still evaluating it. Use the links below for more information:

Can high GWP refrigerants be used?

Yes, depending on state. Rule 20 was vacated on a national level, but individual states may pass their own refrigeration regulations. In 2018, California passed a regulation that adopts Rule 20 (called Rule 1 in California). This rule prohibits high GWP refrigerants in California after January 1, 2019. More information is available on California legislature’s website: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SB1013

High GWP refrigerants can continue to be used in all other states, but that may change too. California is a member of the United States Climate Alliance (USCA), and the other states will likely adopt similar regulations. This includes Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.

In summary, R-134A, R-404A, and R-507A may be used in all states except California, which prohibits those refrigerants. However, other states in the USCA are likely to prohibit those refrigerants in the coming years.

Section 608, Record Keeping, and Leakage Rates

What is Section 608?

EPA regulates how refrigerants are handled through Section 608 of the Clean Air Act. Section 608 affects many sectors in the refrigeration industry:

For more detail on how Section 608 applies, visit https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2018-09/documents/section_608_of_the_clean_air_act.pdf

What are the new Section 608 regulations?

EPA issued new regulations that 1) require owner/operators to keep additional records for their refrigeration systems, and 2) change the allowable leakage rates for refrigeration systems. These rules affect ozone depleting refrigerants and will take effect on January 1, 2019.

The new rule included refrigerants with high GWP such as R-134A, R-404A, and R-507A. However, EPA proposed to omit refrigerants with high GWP from the rule. This has not been finalized, so more information will be provided as it becomes available. Use the links below for further reading.

What records does an owner/operator need to keep?

What are the allowable system leakage rates?

EPA reduced the allowable leakage rates. Annual leakage rates are calculated as a percentage of the full system charge. Details for calculating leakage rates can be found at https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-09/documents/608_fact_sheet_supermarkets_property_managers_0.pdf.

Allowable Leakage Rate Before Retiring or Replacing Old rule New rule
Commercial Refrigeration 35% 20%
Comfort Cooling 15% 10%
Industrial Process Refrigeration 35% 30%

What must be done when a leak is found?

If leakage rate exceeds allowable rates, the system must be repaired, retired, or replaced.

Repair: If a leak is repaired, the technician must ensure the system is leak-free before adding refrigerant. After refrigerant is added, the technician must check the repair again after the system returns to normal temperatures and pressures. Information for technicians can be found at https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-09/documents/608_fact_sheet_technicians_0.pdf.

Retire or Replace: Owner/operators must develop a retrofit or retirement plan within 30 days if the leak cannot be repaired. The plan must be implemented within 1 year. If the leak is repaired within 180 days, the plan can be terminated and the system can be used.

What must be done after a leak?

After a leak, systems must be checked for leaks based on the schedule below. All visible, accessible parts of the systems must be inspected.

When should a leak be reported to EPA?

If the annual leakage rate of a refrigeration system exceeds 125% of the full charge within a calendar year, owner/operators must notify EPA by March 1 of the subsequent year and describe their efforts to identify and repair leaks.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina destroyed all Robért Fresh Market locations. But 2018 marks a milestone as the New Orleans-based supermarket opened their sixth location and moves beyond the hurricane. “This particular location is a historic landmark,” General Manager Marc Robért III explained. “It was the first self-service grocery store in the city of New Orleans in 1941.” Even after being devastated by Katrina, the store still has some of the original terracotta and pine timbers.

Zero Zone provided refrigeration solutions as Robért Fresh Market rebuilt. “I worked with many vendors to get this store open, whether it was equipment vendors, décor vendors, lighting, and so on. I found that Zero Zone was an excellent vendor to work with,” Marc said.

Marc Robért chose Zero Zone to help achieve their mission of freshness. “We are Robért Fresh Market,” Marc emphasized. “We focus on fresh, locally-sourced, organic produce.” For produce and fresh meats, Marc chose the Zero Zone Reveal Merchandiser® open case as the “impactful showstopper” at the entrance of the store. “As you walk through the front of our store and get through the vestibule, you see this case, there’s a visual line-of-sight to this case, the colors pop well, and the LED lights within the case really help bring the product to life.” He added that for vibrant products like produce and fresh meat, “eye appeal is buy appeal,” and the open display cases work perfectly for that.

For displaying other refrigerated products, he chose Zero Zone Crystal Merchandiser® reach-in coolers and Highlight Merchandiser® reach-in freezers. “The door cases make a very clean and neat presentation. I’ve heard concerns about putting product behind doors, but I feel that the doors create a nice, clean look to the store, and customers appreciate seeing that level of cleanliness.” Also, Marc is pleased that the Zero Zone door cases perform well in the hot, humid New Orleans climate. Marc reports that they have not had any door sweating issues.

With six locations open, Robért Fresh Market forges onward from Hurricane Katrina. They project growth for their company, and they can confidently move forward as partners with Zero Zone. “I will be using Zero Zone in the future,” he says. Zero Zone is proud to have been chosen to provide refrigerated display cases and refrigeration systems to Robért Fresh Market and wants to be your trusted partner for refrigeration solutions, too.

Ray’s Apple Market, a testament to enduring customer service, has strategically upgraded its commercial refrigeration systems, reinforcing its commitment to quality. Founded on the principle of treating customers right, Ray Floersch established the market in 1965, driven by his dissatisfaction with previous employer practices. Over five decades later, his son Mike continues this legacy, emphasizing strong partnerships. “We have a partnership with our customers. We want our customers to trust us. That’s how I feel about Zero Zone: they’re a partner. They trust me, and I trust them,” Mike states, highlighting the mutual trust developed during the 2017 commercial refrigeration installation.

The market’s focus on perishables, stemming from the Associated Wholesale Grocers’ “Apple” merchandising approach, necessitated advanced commercial refrigeration solutions. “We feel like that’s where we need to be the best… perishables. You can buy groceries about anywhere today, but if we have the freshest meat, freshest produce, people will shop with you,” Mike explains. He opted for the open Reveal Merchandiser™ for produce, recognizing its superior presentation, and transitioned to Zero Zone reach-in cases for other products. “I was a little nervous about putting things behind doors, but I’m so glad I have,” Mike admits, praising the LED lighting and tall doors for enhancing product visibility within their new commercial refrigeration setup.

A significant benefit of the Zero Zone commercial refrigeration upgrade was the substantial reduction in energy consumption. By replacing individual compressor units with two centralized rack systems, Ray’s Apple Market dramatically lowered its monthly energy bill. “As the months went along, we could see our kilowatt [usage] lowering. I’m thinking we’re going to be looking at about a 20,000 kilowatt drop, which is about a 25% drop in energy usage,” Mike reports. “Zero Zone helped us cut our energy costs, which we can pass on to our customers.”

Furthermore, the store streamlined its refrigerant usage, moving from multiple refrigerants, including outdated R-12, to a single, more efficient R-448A. This decision was influenced by evolving EPA regulations and installation costs. “The copper tubing was smaller. When we compared the lines we took out to what we put in, it was almost like, ‘Really? Is this going to work?’ And it’s been great,” Mike says, expressing satisfaction with the new commercial refrigeration system’s performance.

Mike also praised the Zero Zone sales representative’s dedication, highlighting their presence during every installation phase. “I do not have to buy from Zero Zone, but when I get the kind of response they give me, then I’m sold,” Mike concludes, emphasizing the value of Zero Zone’s exceptional customer service and the quality of their commercial refrigeration solutions.

Learn more about our commercial refrigeration solutions!

Vacated EPA SNAP Rule 20 Allows R-404A for Refrigeration Equipment

Background on SNAP Rule 20

Refrigerant regulations have significantly impacted the industry. In 2015, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued SNAP Rule 20 to prohibit the use of certain hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) that were previously acceptable substitutes for ozone-depleting substances. Consequently, Rule 20 required refrigeration equipment manufacturers like Zero Zone to phase out specific refrigerants, including R-404A and R-507A.

Legal Challenge and Overturning of Rule 20

However, parties challenged Rule 20, contending that the EPA SNAP Program could not be used to phase out HFCs that did not deplete ozone. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned Rule 20, and despite an appeal, the court’s decision stood. As a result, on February 5, 2018, Rule 20 was vacated, allowing R-404A and R-507A to be used in new and retrofit refrigeration equipment once again.

Immediate Changes in Refrigerant Availability

Starting immediately, Zero Zone offers a variety of refrigerants, including R-404A and R-507A, for rack systems and remote display cases. Additionally, Zero Zone Hybrid™ cases can be ordered with either R-404A or R-448A. Hybrid™ cases utilizing R-404A will be available for shipment by April 1, 2018. Similarly, display cases using remote condensing units can be ordered with either R-404A or R-448A, with remote condensing units utilizing R-404A available for shipment by April 1, 2018.

Future Considerations for Refrigerant Regulations

This change does not phase out R-448A or any of the lower GWP refrigerants approved by SNAP. Customers may want to order R-448A or other lower GWP refrigerants in preparation for any future regulations. For example, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has proposed legislation to implement SNAP Rule 20 in September 2018 for the state of California. It is possible that other states will make similar rulings. Therefore, lower GWP refrigerants may still be the best option for many customers. Customers need to evaluate which refrigerant will be best for their situation.

Contact Information

For further information, contact Zero Zone at 800-247-4496 and ask for our Department of Regulatory Compliance and Refrigeration Technology. This message is informational only, and customers should review national and local laws and regulations to ensure compliance.

By focusing on refrigerant regulations, this text aims to provide clarity on the changes and future considerations for customers in the refrigeration industry.

Let’s take a little vacation. Picture yourself on the beach with a can of your favorite cola in hand. The soda is ice cold, but the outside air is sunny and 75°F. The problem? Your hand is soaked with condensation from the can, causing you to hunt for the nearest koozie.

The same problem can occur with your reach in coolers. Warm air in the building mixes with the cool air inside the case and causes condensation buildup on your display case doors. Foggy display cases can decrease your sales if customers cannot see the products inside. You can’t afford to miss any potential sales opportunities, whether impulsive or not. Here are a few common issues that may cause door condensation in your reach in refrigerator and what you can do to minimize it.

Power Supply

A common cause of door condensation in a reach in refrigerator is insufficient incoming voltage and amperage. Check that the amperage input matches the numbers on the display case data plate. Without proper electrical input, components like the case anti-condensate heater will not operate at full capacity, causing condensation buildup. The reach in refrigerator should receive a minimum of 115V for full operation. If the voltage is sufficient but the amperage is low, you may need to replace a burned-out heater with a new heater.

Store and Surface Temperature

The surface temperature of your commercial refrigerator door, particularly in a reach in refrigerator setup, must be greater than the dew points temperature of your store. The surface temperature of your reach in refrigerator, should be 58°F or more in a standard 75°F room. Case door temperatures may be too cold as a result of gasket, insulation, or cabinet air complications. Sweating may occur if your store dew point rises above that 58°F. Increasing air conditioning usage may decrease room temperature, but not necessarily decrease room humidity. Have your HVAC technician install or check your store dehumidification system to help remove excess moisture in the air, especially important for maintaining optimal conditions within your reach in cooler.

Interior Case Temperature

Another factor that may cause door sweating in your reach in refrigerator is interior case temperatures. For ice cream products, a case colder than -15°F can cause sweating. Frozen food products stored at temperatures colder than -10°F may also risk sweating unnecessarily in your reach in cooler. Talk to your technician about adjusting your temperatures if your case temperatures are not above these minimum recommendations.

These are just a few reasons for condensation occurring on your reach in cooler doors; there could be other explanations. If you cannot identify the cause of the condensation, we recommend talking to your technician or contact us. And then take that vacation with your cold drink in hand.

Zero Zone is proud to announce we have partnered with Honeywell and Festival Foods to design and install equipment for use with R448A refrigerant instead of the previously used R404A refrigerant. Festival Foods made this decision after much collaboration with John’s Refrigeration, Honeywell, and Zero Zone employees. The R448A system will give Festival Foods what they were looking for in terms of performance and regulatory needs in their stores, including but not limited to, a lower GWP, easy serviceability, and energy efficiency. We look forward to working with Festival Foods, Honeywell, and John’s Refrigeration on many more projects!

To read the article published in Cooling Post, click on the following link Festival Foods opts for R448A

Elevate your product presentation and captivate your customers with the Zero Zone Highlight Merchandiser®, a premium reach in refrigerator solution designed to maximize visibility and drive sales. This isn’t just another refrigerated food display case; it’s a meticulously engineered showcase that transforms your merchandise into a visual spectacle. As highlighted in our Product Spotlight video, the Highlight Merchandiser® boasts taller doors, featuring an impressive five additional inches of glass. This seemingly small enhancement delivers a significant impact, providing shoppers with an unparalleled, expansive view of your refrigerated offerings.

The increased glass surface of this reach in refrigerator translates to enhanced product visibility, allowing customers to easily browse and select items. This feature is particularly crucial for maximizing the visual appeal of fresh produce, dairy products, and other refrigerated goods. The Highlight Merchandiser® is designed to make your products the star of the show, effectively drawing attention and encouraging impulse purchases.

Zero Zone understands the importance of creating visually engaging refrigerated food display case environments. That’s why the Highlight Merchandiser® is crafted with precision and attention to detail, ensuring a seamless blend of functionality and aesthetics. The taller doors not only enhance visibility but also contribute to a sleek and modern design that complements any retail setting.

Beyond its visual appeal, the Highlight Merchandiser® prioritizes energy efficiency and performance. Zero Zone’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the design of this reach in refrigerator, which incorporates advanced technology to optimize cooling performance while minimizing energy consumption. Retailers can confidently rely on the Highlight Merchandiser® to maintain consistent temperatures and preserve the freshness of their products, ensuring customer satisfaction and reducing waste.

The Highlight Merchandiser® is more than just a reach in refrigerator; it’s a strategic investment in your business. By maximizing product visibility and creating an inviting shopping experience, this display case helps you drive sales and enhance your brand image.

For a comprehensive understanding of the Highlight Merchandiser®‘s features and benefits, we encourage you to watch our Product Spotlight video. This video provides a detailed overview of the display case’s design, functionality, and performance. Additionally, you can find detailed information, product literature, and spec sheets on the Highlight Merchandiser® product page on our website, empowering you to make an informed decision and optimize your refrigerated food display case strategy

We are proud to introduce the Zero Zone Reveal Merchandiser®, a groundbreaking addition to our product lineup, designed to redefine the standards of refrigerated food display cases. This innovative open multi deck case fulfills a long-standing demand from our customers, who sought the same exceptional quality and adaptability found in our renowned reach in refrigerator glass door cases, but in an open-air configuration.

The Reveal Merchandiser® embodies Zero Zone’s commitment to excellence, seamlessly blending superior craftsmanship with a sleek, modern design. This new cooler offers unparalleled product facings and packout, optimizing merchandising potential without the constraints of glass doors. While reach in refrigerator units have gained widespread popularity, we recognize the continued importance of open merchandisers for diverse retail applications. The Reveal Merchandiser® addresses this need, empowering retailers to create dynamic and engaging displays throughout their stores.

At Zero Zone, we prioritize exceeding customer expectations through the development of high-quality, innovative products and the provision of personalized support. The Reveal Merchandiser® significantly expands our range of refrigerated food display case solutions, offering retailers greater flexibility and choice. These new open multi deck case units are meticulously designed to complement our existing glass door reach in refrigerator lines, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic and consistent performance across all displays.

Furthermore, Reveal Merchandiser® incorporates our signature Zero Zone ChillBrite™ LED lighting, which illuminates products with exceptional clarity and brilliance, enhancing their visual appeal. This feature is crucial for maximizing the impact of dairy, deli, beverage, produce, and fresh meat displays, ensuring that products “pop” and attract customer attention within the refrigerated food display case.

The versatility of this multi deck case allows for a vast amount of product to be displayed, maximizing sales potential. Retailers will also enjoy the energy efficiency that Zero Zone products are known for. By using this product, retailers can feel confident that they are displaying their product in a quality display case.

For detailed information about the transformative Reveal Merchandiser® line of open multi deck case solutions, please visit Reveal Merchandiser® Open Multi-Decks.

Reveal™ Merchandiser Open Multi-Deck Product Spotlight

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:

  1. Determine if the system is a supermarket system (rack) or remote condensing unit.
  2. Identify the date it will become operational.
  3. Determine if it’s a new or a retrofit system.
  4. 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