Classic Refrigeration's CO₂ Expertise in Action
Back in 2007, the idea of replacing traditional HFC-based commercial refrigeration units with more environmentally friendly CO₂ was barely a blip in the industry. The push for CO₂ began in the European Union with the 2007 F-Gas Regulation, which introduced mandatory leak checks, certification requirements, and stricter equipment disposal rules. This law made it more difficult to run systems with high-Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants like HFCs, signalling that they were on their way out and greener alternatives like CO₂, which had become more viable due to technology innovations, were on the horizon.
Remarkably, 2008 is also the year that Classic Refrigeration Director of Engineering Jeff Halley worked with the Canadian Department of Energy to bring the first CO₂ system into North America. Two other Classic experts, Danny Lamping, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and Construction Manager Chad Van Nerynen, helped install one of California’s first CO₂ systems in 2011, eight years before California began more heavily regulating commercial refrigeration due to environmental impacts.
Founded in 2019, Classic Refrigeration owners Dave Rogers and Thomas David Lowe knew that CO₂ systems were the future and stacked their staff with CO₂ experts from day one — or they trained them in the technology.
“You either evolve and change with the times, or you’re on the sideline,” says Halley “And there are certain people who have no problem changing and learning. That’s who we’re proud to have on our team.”
Having knowledge of both legacy and newer CO₂ refrigeration systems enables Classic Refrigeration to arm its customers with the information they need to make an informed decision, whether they’re building a new facility or retrofitting an old system. It also smooths installation and eases service and maintenance.
The Shift From HFC Refrigeration To Co₂
While EU regulatory efforts to limit the global warming effects of certain refrigerants began in 2007, in the United States, California began pioneering this change in 2019.
The long story short is that any newly constructed facility in California or any facility undertaking a major remodel that affects more than 50% of the condensing units or refrigerant piping must use low-GWP systems (GWP<150). Companies with older high-GWP systems are required to report on leak, recharge, and other related data. Several states have followed suit with similar regulations.
Federally, the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020 phases down the production and consumption of HFCs, effectively increasing the cost of recharging older equipment. At the same time, the EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program restricts the use of certain high-GWP refrigerants in specific applications, including retail food refrigeration and cold storage warehouses. These actions pressure companies in all states to switch to low-GWP systems to stem rising costs.
Why Co₂ Is The Green Refrigerant Of Choice
While CO₂ isn’t the only low-GWP choice, it has become the winning choice. The technology is proven, standardized, and readily available due to its ubiquitous use in Europe. Its GWP of 1 future-proofs it against strict standards in any region. And CO₂ is non-flammable and non-toxic, as compared to alternatives like ammonia and propane, making it a safer option.
There are also upsides to these changes: CO₂ systems reduce energy consumption and replacing older systems can cut maintenance costs. A 2025 study showed that compared with R-410A system (an HFC that replaced Freon and is often marketed as Puron), CO₂ systems reduce energy consumption by 58.7 percent. Additionally, California offers FRIPP grants to qualifying facilities to help cover the high upfront costs of retrofitting refrigeration to low-GWP systems like CO₂.
The Critical Role Of Co₂ Expertise When Building Or Retrofitting Refrigeration Systems
Due to California pioneering low-GWP regulations and early adopters in the state, Classic Refrigeration has been able to build a staff that offers decades of experience in designing, building, and maintaining complex CO₂ refrigeration systems. The company is OEM-agnostic, meaning they offer in-depth knowledge of all leading CO₂ equipment so they can help clients build systems suited to their budget and needs.
“I decided to work with Classic after meeting with a couple other refrigeration companies because of how responsive [and] proactive they were with guiding me through the whole process,” says Mahta Ariarad, co-owner of Super Irvine, Inc., a beloved international supermarket in Orange County, California, that recently opened a new location in Irvine.
“I showed them what I like. They gave me a lot of different pricing options and it was more upscale designs but still affordable for us.”
What’s so different about CO₂ that requires special expertise? According to Halley, a lot: the equipment itself, knowledge of the operating environment (for example, temperature and humidity variables), and controls and pressures that differ from legacy equipment. The company can even assist with the complex FRIPP rebate process. Additionally, says Halley, it’s critical to “overlay those various details onto a project that relates to the customer’s main drivers, such as cost, spatial availability, specific equipment needs, and appearance.”
This expertise also relieves service headaches.
“Knowing that Classic is going to maintain and service our equipment is a big relief because from past experience, when a refrigerator breaks down, it's so hard to get someone to fix it right the first time,” says Ariarad. “They usually come out like five times to fix it, and it's a big headache.”
Making The Switch To Co₂
The convergence of stricter regulations and the rising cost of high-GWP refrigerants makes the shift to safe, future-proof CO₂ systems both necessary and fiscally advantageous for companies with commercial refrigeration needs. While the transition can be complex, Classic Refrigeration's deep expertise in designing, building, and maintaining these systems provides customers with the essential guidance to ensure a smooth, compliant, and cost-effective upgrade.
