Australian Shift: Restricting High-GWP Refrigerants by 2024

The Australian landscape for heat pump equipment has largely been unrestricted in terms of the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of refrigerants. This status quo is set to undergo a dramatic shift. From 1 July 2024, the Australian government will prohibit the import and manufacture of small air conditioners with a GWP exceeding 750. This move aims to align with global efforts to minimise environmental impacts, especially given the pervasiveness of reverse cycle air conditioners (or heat pumps) in the country.