Legend Brands was ahead of the game when Washington State banned the sale of dehumidifiers using 410A refrigerant on January 1, 2024. By Summer 2023 Dri-Eaz dehumidifiers were already using R32, a proven low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant, well ahead of state deadlines requiring the use of refrigerants below 750 GWP.
Legend Brands chose R32 refrigerant because it’s one of the most efficient refrigerants, and it has a very low GWP rating (675). R32 refrigerant also has a strong record – it’s been used in at least 160 million units in the U.S. and around the world.
R32 is less dense than R410A, the refrigerant previously used in most dehumidifiers, which makes it more energy-efficient than other refrigerants. Legend Brands control chamber tests show that R32 dehumidifier performance often exceeds that of R410A, which many dehumidifiers in the market still use.
Adopting R32 refrigerant ensures that Legend Brands and its customers – restoration contractors, facility managers and property owners – can be confident that the dehumidifiers they are using are the most efficient choice and that they comply with current and pending state environmental regulations.
On January 1, 2025, California’s requirements for low GWP refrigerants take effect. Other states are likely to adopt similar regulations soon, which makes it critical to ensure that dehumidifiers purchased now are compliant with low GWP rules to avoid fines and penalties.
“Our proactive transition to the low GWP refrigerant R32 is part of an ongoing commitment to our distributors and customers,” said Legend Brands President John Ormsby. “We are committed to ensuring that they can easily comply with future regulations – and that they have the most efficient products for their business.”