Honeywell and Bosch lead the HVAC industry towards eco-friendly refrigerants

Honeywell and Bosch are working together to communicate technical information on the refrigerant change to ensure technicians understand the best practices for safe handling, maintenance, and installation of refrigerants.

Honeywell disclosed that Bosch’s series of heat pumps would use Honeywell’s energy-efficient Solstice low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant. As part of this agreement, Bosch technicians will receive training on the safe maintenance and installation of these next-generation low-GWP systems. The collaboration with Bosch also contributes to Honeywell’s previously stated objectives to focus its portfolio on three compelling megatrends, including the energy transformation.

Bosch’s Florida Heat Pump series will utilise Honeywell Solstice 454B refrigerant, which is intended to cut greenhouse gas emissions in residential and light commercial heating and air conditioning by 78 percent compared to typical refrigerants. With the integration of Honeywell Solstice, Bosch’s heat pumps will be able to move heat using a combination of electricity and refrigerants, giving a more energy-efficient alternative to standard furnaces and air conditioners.

The heating and cooling sector is undergoing a considerable refrigerant transformation, mostly due to rules imposed by the EPA’s American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act in the United States. Honeywell and Bosch are also working together to communicate vital technical information on the refrigerant change to ensure technicians understand the best practices for safe handling, maintenance, and installation of these new refrigerants.

“Honeywell continues to pioneer next-generation refrigerants for the industry that enable our global partners to meet their carbon footprint targets,” said Jeff Dormo, president of Honeywell Advanced Materials. “Bosch’s selection of Honeywell’s low-GWP refrigerant reflects our joint commitment to environmental responsibility and underscores our strategic alignment in assisting companies with their energy transition, mitigating the environmental impact of heating and cooling systems.”

Honeywell has invested more than $1 billion in research, development, and increased capacity for its Solstice technology, which is now used in refrigerants, blowing agents, aerosols, and solvents and is being considered for broader usage in metered dose inhalers. Since its launch in 2011, Honeywell Solstice technology has helped avoid the potential release of more than 326 million metric tons of carbon dioxide into the environment, comparable to the carbon emissions from almost 70 million gasoline-powered passenger vehicles every year.

“Bosch Home Comfort deeply values professional training on both the technology and best practices for safely installing the equipment as designed,” said Dr. Alexander Wuthnow, president and CEO of Bosch Home Comfort North America. “As the industry pivots to lower global warming potential refrigerants, contractor education will become even more critical in 2024 and beyond. We are proud to partner with Honeywell to make critical resources easily accessible to installers and to further drive excellence and innovation in the industry.”