As an industry leader in temperature-controlled storage solutions, Leer is committed to staying at the forefront of ever-changing technologies, market demand, and the world we live in. We strive to continuously adapt to these conditions so we can consistently offer our customers best-in-industry products.

Since Leer began manufacturing Ice Merchandisers in 1952, R290 will be the fourth primary refrigerant offered.

R12 was the go-to refrigerant from its introduction in the 1930’s until the 1990’s. Since then, technology improvements and environmental awareness have driven refrigerant transitions every 10-15 years. Our last transition was in 2007 when we began using R404a. Technology and global environmental awareness have enabled the introduction of a much-improved refrigerant, R290, in 2020.

Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) = The measure of the effectiveness in removing ozone, relative to standard compound (CFC-11/R11).
Global Warming Potential (GWP) = The measure of the ability of a gas to trap heat in the atmosphere, relative to carbon dioxide (CO 2 ).
Thermal Conductivity = The ability of material to transfer heat, measured in Btu/hr-ft- o F. Values listed are via ASHRAE. A higher value is better.

Reason 1 - Performance

R290 is a high-performance refrigerant!

• Higher Thermal Conductivity
  • Higher Refrigerant Performance
  • Lower Runnings Costs
• Lower High Side Compressor Pressures
  • Longer Compressor Life
• More Consistent Performance
  • Easier to Size/Verify Proper Capillary Tube & Charge Amounts
  • No Glide*
  • Less Unpredictable Temperature Variations

Many other styles of commercial refrigeration have already adapted R290, problem-free, and have seen great results.

*Glide = The total temperature glide of a refrigerant blend is defined as the temperature difference between the saturated vapor temperature and the saturated liquid temperature at a constant pressure. Another definition is the temperature difference between the starting and ending temperature of a refrigerant phase change within a system at a constant pressure. – ACHR News.

Reason 2 – Eco-Friendly

It’s eco-friendly!

• R290 is classified as a hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerant, which is a natural, non-toxic refrigerant and the top alternative to hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants.
  • Eco-friendly
  • Ultra-Low GWP (Global Warming Potential)
  • Zero ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential)
  • Commercial Market Acceptance – Commercial refrigeration manufacturers have transitioned complete product lines to R290 and increasingly, retailers are beginning to request or demand such refrigerants.
  • Due to its eco-friendly properties, its projected to have long-term approval as a commercial refrigerant.

Reason 3 – 50 State Compliance

Our investigation into R290 was intensified with the government’s announcement of the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP), which listed R404a on their Unacceptable Refrigeration Listings.

Although Federal Courts vacated the SNAP listings, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) did not, and adopted the vacated rules from SNAP, listing a phase out date of R404a on January 1, 2020. Since then, Washington, New York, Maryland, Colorado, New Jersey, Vermont, and Massachusetts have followed a similar path phasing out R404a.

Similarly, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Virginia, Delaware, Hawaii, Nevada, Montana, New Mexico, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and North Carolina have joined the National Climate Alliance but not yet announced any phase out dates.

R448a is considered a transitory/temporary/interim refrigerant. R290 and other hydrocarbon refrigerants are considered ‘final solution’ refrigerants.