What Engineers Need to Know:  The Impact of A2L Refrigerants on VRF System Design and Installation

April 17, 2025

11:00 AM ET / 10:00 AM CT / 8:00 AM PT / 4:00 PM GMT

Duration: 1 hour

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Summary

Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems have rapidly become one of the fastest-growing segments in the commercial HVAC industry, thanks to their flexibility, superior comfort, and exceptional efficiency. Recent U.S. regulations mandate a transition to new A2L-classified refrigerants. Updated refrigerant safety standards now provide guidance for designing VRF projects using this new class of refrigerants. This session will explore the A2L refrigerant transition for VRF and Ductless systems, focusing on its impact on design and installation.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the impact of the A2L refrigerant transition and review timelines for VRF and Ductless products.
Examine the key changes in ASHRAE 15-2022 affecting VRF and Ductless design.
Apply ASHRAE 15 EDVC calculations to assess compliance in practical scenarios.
Review the new guidelines for the location and installation of A2L refrigerant piping.

Speakers

Laura Michel
Ductless Product Manager

Trane

Laura Michel is the Ductless Manager for Trane Technologies. In her current role, Laura Michel leads the strategy, product roadmap, and execution to expand the Ductless and VRF business for Trane. With over 17 years of HVAC experience, primarily in new equipment sales at Trane's Chicago sales office, Laura is a seasoned HVAC professional. She is an ASHRAE member, a former President of the Illinois ASHRAE Chapter, and a licensed Professional Engineer in Illinois.

Laura holds a Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Minnesota and is nearing completion of her MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business

Joseph Guerin
VRF Ductless Sales Specialist

Trane

Joseph (Joe) is Mid-Atlantic’s VRF Ductless Sales Specialist. In his current role, Joe is primarily responsible for overseeing and supporting the design and application of commercial VRF projects in the region. He focuses on plan and spec project design, working closely with consulting engineers and consultants in Baltimore, Harrisburg and Northeastern Pennsylvania. With over 10 years of experience in Trane Commercial, Joe has focused on systems design, applications, and sales. As an active ASHRAE member since 2023, he has taken a keen interest in the 2022 update of the ASHRAE 15 Safety Standard, exploring its implications for VRF and Ductless system designs.

Joe graduated from The Cooper Union in New York City with a Bachelor’s of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering and holds a Masters of Education from the University of Notre Dame. In his free time, Joe enjoys hiking and mountain biking, and is an avid runner. He is married and has two girls.

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