The HVAC/R industry is undergoing a major transition as manufacturers move away from high Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants towards lower-GWP alternatives. While this supports environmental goals, the increased use of mildly flammable A2L refrigerants also brings new safety, detection, and system-design considerations.
In the Refrigerant Sensing in the Low-GWP Transition White Paper, TE Connectivity explores what this shift means for engineers and OEMs, while the accompanying A2L Refrigerant Sensor Flyer introduces a practical solution for detecting R-454B and R-32 refrigerant leaks.
Refrigerant Sensing In Low GWP Transition White Paper
A2L Refrigerant Sensor - Flyer
What's inside?
Together, these resources provide insight into both the industry transition and the technology enabling safer low-GWP HVAC/R systems, including:
The move to low-GWP refrigerants, including the environmental and regulatory drivers behind the transition from traditional A1 refrigerants towards A2L and A3 alternatives. 
️ The growing importance of leak detection, and why sensing is becoming a key safety and compliance consideration when working with flammable refrigerants. 
Different refrigerant sensing technologies, including thermal conductivity, non-dispersive infrared, photoacoustic spectroscopy, metal oxide semiconductor and acoustic approaches, and the trade-offs engineers need to consider. 
️ TE Connectivity's A2L Refrigerant Sensor, designed to detect R-454B and R-32 at a 10% lower flammability limit (LFL) threshold, with a typical 15-second response time. 
️ Built for demanding HVAC/R environments, with temperature and humidity compensation, automated self-calibration and a stated lifetime of up to 15 years without field recalibration.
Why check it out?
For engineers developing the next generation of air conditioners, heat pumps, water heaters and other HVAC or appliance systems, refrigerant selection is increasingly connected to safety architecture, sensing and compliance.
These guides provide a useful introduction to the challenges behind the low-GWP transition and show how TE's compact A2L sensor combines thermal conductivity sensing, environmental compensation and digital communication to support reliable refrigerant leak detection. The sensor is ETL certified to conform to UL and CSA 60335-2-40 Annex LL requirements.
Jump in
Whether you're designing a new HVAC/R platform, exploring the move to lower-GWP refrigerants, or simply want to understand why refrigerant sensing is becoming increasingly important, these resources are a great place to start.
Explore the white paper to understand the bigger picture, then dive into the A2L Refrigerant Sensor guide to discover how TE Connectivity is helping engineers turn those requirements into practical solutions.
