Compiled via interviews with a team of experts, here are the steps one should follow when charging a CO₂ refrigeration system.

While CO₂ refrigerant may not be as deadly to the environment as its HFC peers, there are other concerns that exist when it escapes a system.

Suddenly in high demand, HVAC contractors must quickly acclimate themselves with CO₂ refrigeration and its unique characteristics and service attributes, which differ from traditional hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)-based systems.

Compared to systems based on legacy hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants, CO₂ transcritical booster (TCB) systems have unique characteristics, high-pressure management strategies and design considerations.

Most technicians have little to no experience working with CO₂ and have many questions about refrigerant characteristics, system architectures and management. Alleviating these concerns starts with a basic understanding of the fundamentals of CO₂ refrigeration.