A key program of interest during the 2015 MACS Training Event and Trade Show will be a luncheon presentation on Saturday, Feb. 7 with MACS technical adviser Ward Atkinson, who will explore the potential impact of multiple refrigerants and new regulations on the mobile A/C vehicle manufacturer and service industry, and ask the question, “Will history repeat itself?”
Atkinson points out that, “Many replacement refrigerants were offered for use in the transition from R-12, causing many concerns, but history records that less than 10 percent of the R-12 fleet was ever retro-fitted to use another refrigerant.”
EPA has recently proposed a rule that would phase out many of the currently listed SNAP refrigerants, and most significantly, would prohibit the use of R-134a in new, light-duty vehicles starting with model year 2021. Under the proposed rule, production and service use of R-134a is not restricted.
Under the EPA rules, new vehicle MAC system use requirements for R-1234yf, R-744 (carbon dioxide), R-152a and possibly new blend refrigerants could all play a role in the transition. The phase down of R-134a is occurring more slowly than the previous transition from R-12, and given there is more time, the industry should take advantage of this opportunity to plan better for the changes to come, MACS advises.
The MACS 2015 Training Event and Trade Show will showcase 24 experts speaking on a variety of important and cutting-edge mobile A/C service and repair issues. The MACS Trade Show on Friday, Feb. 6 will feature exhibitors most relevant to the total vehicle thermal marketplace.
The entire schedule for the MACS 2015 Training Event and Trade Show can be found on the MACS website at www.macsw.org. Registration can be completed online or by phone at 215-631-7020 ext. 0 and by fax at 215-631-7017.
Adjacent meetings also will be held at the MACS venue by the Interior Climate Control Standards Committee of SAE International on Thursday, Feb. 5 and the Car Care Council Women’s Board will hold its Winter Leadership Conference on Wednesday, Feb. 4 and Thursday, Feb. 5.
Hotel reservations can be made for the Caribe Royale All Suite Hotel and Convention Center through a custom link on the MACS website or by phone at 888-258-7501. MACS room rate is $155 per night plus tax for a suite. Room reservations should be made by Jan. 6, 2015, to ensure the special room rate.