Ban on high-GWP small AC equipment
The import and manufacture of small air conditioning equipment with high global warming potential refrigerant (GWP over 750) has been banned as of 1 July 2024.
The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) has welcomed the ban, which applies to air conditioning equipment designed to be used to cool or heat, or both, a stationary space primarily for human comfort if the equipment is:
an outdoor unit for a single-head split system air conditioning system
a portable air conditioner
a window/wall air conditioner (a single unit designed to be fixed to a window or wall)
and the equipment:
has a standard refrigerant charge of 2.6 kilogram or less, and
contains, or is designed to operate with, an HFC refrigerant that has a global warming potential (GWP) of more than 750.
ARC chief executive officer Glenn Evans said existing equipment in Australia would not be affected, and the ban would not apply to:
outdoor units for ducted systems
indoor units of split systems when imported separately from the outdoor unit
equipment for mobile applications such as motor vehicles, caravans, aircraft and boats
systems for use in electrical enclosures and computer rooms
air-to-water equipment, such as units for hydronic home heating systems, swimming pool heat pumps
humidifiers or dehumidifiers.
Importers will be able to apply for an exemption to the ban in certain circumstances. Equipment imported or manufactured in Australia before 1 July 2024 may be sold after that date.
Media Contact:
Greg Shoemark
0412 577 526
gshoemark@arctick.org
