In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie is joined by Kevin Gill, Director of Technical Projects & Business Development – Refrigeration of The Master Group for part one of their discussion on the evolving landscape of refrigerants in the North American market. With the A2L refrigerant transition looming on the horizon, Kevin offers a deep dive into the key aspects of these regulatory changes, their impact on the HVAC industry, and how contractors can adapt. The episode touches on the environmental and regulatory pressures driving these changes, such as the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment, and how these international agreements are shaping refrigerant choices and equipment standards. Kevin Gill brings a wealth of experience to the conversation, with expertise in refrigerants, HVAC systems, and global climate policies. As a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability, Kevin discusses both the technical and practical aspects of transitioning to lower-GWP refrigerants, helping technicians understand what’s at stake and how to future-proof their practices. Expect to Learn: Refrigerant Evolution: A brief history of refrigerants, from the use of R12 and R22 to the present-day shift toward A2L and low-GWP refrigerants. Global Warming Potential (GWP): Understanding how GWP plays a key role in refrigerant regulation and the future of HVAC systems. Transition to A2L: What the move to A2L refrigerants means for the industry and the tools required for safe handling. Impact of Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment: How these global agreements have shaped current refrigerant legislation and phase-out schedules. Practical Tips: How HVAC professionals can adapt to the transition, with insights into new tools, system modifications, and legislation deadlines. Episode Highlights: [00:33] - Guest Introduction [01:50] - Podcast Introduction [03:41] - The Evolution of Refrigerants [05:25] - Environmental Impact and Legislation [08:55] - Challenges of Transitioning from R22 [17:04] - Understanding Enforcement Dates [25:46] - Focus on Canadian Legislation [29:31] - Missing Clarity in Refrigeration Legislation This episode is kindly sponsored by: Cool Air Products Master Cintas Supply House Connect with The Master Group: The Master Group LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/themastergroup/  The Master Group Website: www.master.ca Follow the Host: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/ Website: www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/hvacknowitall/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/