Overview
This document references UCSF-owned appliances containing HFCs.
New California Regulations
The CA Air Resources Board has placed restrictions on state-owned or state-operated stationary equipment containing HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons). Applicable equipmentwill no longer be allowed to be topped off or serviced with virgin HFC refrigerants with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) above 750.
“Virgin” means newly manufactured refrigerant that has never been used. “Reclaimed” refrigerant, refrigerant that has been recovered and reprocessed to meet purity standards, is exempt and is not restricted by GWP under this rule.
In Practice
Do not purchase new virgin HFC refrigerant with a GWP over 750 going forward.
Keep any virgin HFC supply you already have on hand — do not dispose of or get rid of existing stock.
Use reclaimed HFC refrigerant whenever it's available to service or replenish stationary equipment.
Only use virgin HFC refrigerant if reclaimed refrigerant isn't available AND it's an emergency. Document the reason why virgin refrigerant was used in that situation.
If an outside vendor is servicing UCSF equipment, they must also use reclaimed refrigerant; the law applies to the equipment, not just to UCSF employees.
Quick Reference
| Situation | What To Do |
| Reclaimed refrigerant is available | No restrictions, regardless of GWP |
| Only virgin HFC available (GWP > 750) | Not permitted, unless an emergency |
| Refrigerant GWP is 750 or below | No restrictions |
Common Refrigerant GWP Values
| Refrigerant | Global Warming Potential (AR4, 100-yr) |
| R-22 | 1,810 |
| R-134A | 1,430 |
| R-410A | 2,088 |
| R-407C | 1,774 |
| R-404A | 3,922 |
Link to CARB website with full list of refrigerants and GWP values