I follow heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration trends closely, and one change that’s already reshaping rooftops and back rooms across the city is the move to new refrigerant in Denver, CO. This switch is driven by national policy and local energy goals, and the Colorado Energy Office has resources to help building owners and facility managers understand incentives and compliance steps for these upgrades: https://energyoffice.colorado.gov/.
Why this refrigerant shift matters right here in the city
The new refrigerant landscape is more than technical jargon; it affects energy bills, equipment lifespans, safety rules, and environmental impact. Denver’s mix of older commercial buildings in LoDo and Capitol Hill and newer construction in Cherry Creek and RiNo means system ages and refrigerant types vary block by block. For business owners, that patchwork can create pockets of risk—older systems using phased-out high-global-warming-potential (GWP) chemicals leak more often and cost more to run.
Beyond immediate operating costs, the refrigerant transition ties directly into broader city and state efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions and improve building efficiency. Upgrading fluids and equipment now can lock in energy savings and avoid regulatory headaches later on, especially if you operate a grocery, restaurant, brewery, or medical facility where reliable refrigeration is mission critical.
Which refrigerants are appearing in new systems and retrofits
Not all “new” refrigerants are the same. Manufacturers and contractors are choosing among low-GWP blends, near-zero-GWP alternatives, and natural refrigerants depending on application, safety class, and local code. Here are the common newcomers you’ll hear about from technicians and suppliers.
- Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) like R-1234yf and R-1234ze — very low GWP and often used in light commercial systems and mobile A/C conversions.
- Low-GWP HFC replacements such as R-454B and R-452B — engineered to be closer to legacy HFC performance but with much lower climate impact.
- R-513A and other HFO/HFC blends — sometimes used as near-drop-in options for larger rooftops and chillers.
- Natural refrigerants like CO₂ and ammonia for large commercial refrigeration — excellent performance in the right systems, but require specialized equipment and safety planning.
When evaluating options, technicians weigh GWP, flammability class, pressure characteristics, and cost. For example, some low-GWP blends are mildly flammable and need different safety measures than older HFCs. CO₂ systems can be highly efficient for supermarkets but involve higher operating pressures and different maintenance routines compared with conventional chillers.
Understanding GWP and safety classes
GWP means “global warming potential” and compares how much heat a gas traps in the atmosphere over a set time relative to carbon dioxide. A lower GWP is better for the climate, but lower GWP often comes with tradeoffs like higher pressure or mild flammability. Contractors in the area are trained to interpret safety class labels—non-flammable, mildly flammable, or flammable—and match equipment and ventilation to the refrigerant chosen.
Two trending industry topics you’ll hear about in Denver
As I work with building owners and property managers, two trends keep coming up: electrification and smart leak detection. First, electrification and heat pump adoption are accelerating as businesses seek efficient, low-carbon HVAC solutions. New refrigerants are a natural companion to heat pumps that are designed to run on low-GWP fluids and deliver better year-round performance.
Second, leak detection technology has improved rapidly. Smart sensors and cloud-based analytics reduce refrigerant loss and help meet compliance requirements. Early detection saves refrigerant, limits fines, and protects sensitive inventory—a big deal for grocery stores in Cherry Creek or craft breweries in RiNo that can’t afford downtime.
How the change affects different businesses in the city
The impact looks different depending on your operation. Small restaurants in LoDo may need a relatively simple retrofit to move from an old R-22 system to a modern refrigerant, while large grocery stores often face complex decisions between retrofit options and full system replacement. Industrial cold rooms and food processors may evaluate CO₂ systems for long-term efficiency and safety investments.
Healthcare and lab facilities have stricter temperature control needs, so when refrigerant changes are planned, timelines must align with service windows and redundancies. If you run multiple locations across Denver and nearby Aurora, coordinating upgrades across sites can secure better pricing and minimize disruption.
Signs your system needs attention now
Don’t wait for a breakdown. Common signs a refrigeration or HVAC system needs an assessment include steadily rising energy bills, frequent refrigerant top-offs, unusual compressor cycling, ice buildup on evaporators, and inconsistent temperatures across zones. If you notice any of these in a restaurant, grocery, or commercial office, schedule an audit before leaks escalate into bigger failures.
Actionable steps to prepare for new refrigerants
Switching refrigerants doesn’t have to be daunting. I recommend a clear, phased approach that protects operations and spreads costs without sacrificing compliance or safety. Below are practical steps you can take this quarter.
- Conduct a refrigerant inventory and leak audit to identify system types, existing refrigerants, and quantities on-site.
- Prioritize critical systems for immediate attention: walk-in coolers, server room cooling, and any systems that show repeated leaks.
- Evaluate retrofit versus replacement using a life cycle cost analysis that includes refrigerant price, efficiency gains, and projected maintenance savings.
- Ask about incentives and rebates available in Colorado to offset upgrade costs and accelerate payback.
These steps help you budget for work and demonstrate diligence toward regulators and insurers, especially if your site stores perishables or hazardous materials.
How to choose the right contractor partner
Choosing a contractor is as important as picking the right refrigerant. Look for technicians who hold EPA certifications, have experience with low-GWP refrigerants, and maintain a documented approach to leak prevention and recovery. It’s smart to ask for case studies or references from Denver-area projects similar to yours, whether that’s a boutique hotel near Capitol Hill or a supermarket chain with multiple stores.
Good partners will also help you navigate permitting and safety code updates, secure rebates, and provide written plans for transition that minimize downtime. Make sure the contractor offers ongoing maintenance contracts and remote monitoring options; buildings with proactive service records generally experience fewer urgent failures.
Cost expectations and incentive opportunities
Costs vary widely depending on system size and path chosen. A small rooftop unit retrofit may be a few thousand dollars, while a supermarket converting to a new CO₂-based system can be a six-figure project. But these investments often pay back over time through energy savings, reduced refrigerant purchases, and lower maintenance costs.
Colorado and local utilities offer incentives and technical assistance to reduce the upfront burden of efficiency upgrades and cleaner refrigerants. Engaging a contractor who knows how to apply for these programs can reduce your net cost significantly and shorten the payback period. Energy savings paired with improved reliability often make upgrades a compelling long-term business decision for properties across the city.
Compliance timelines and what to watch for
National and state rules are phasing down high-GWP refrigerants over time. That means supply for older refrigerants will tighten, and prices could rise, making repairs using legacy gases more expensive. Planning ahead lets you choose the most cost-effective path: retire old equipment early, retrofit where practical, and ensure recovery and disposal follow EPA rules.
Beyond federal requirements, keep an eye on local building code updates tied to electrification and carbon reduction goals. Coordinating refrigeration projects with other upgrades—rooftop unit replacements, building envelope improvements, or rooftop solar—can capture more value and streamline permitting for large retrofits.
Simple checklist to start planning
To make the transition manageable, use this short checklist as a starting point for your facilities plan:
- Inventory systems and note refrigerant types and quantities.
- Schedule a professional leak inspection and efficiency assessment.
- Request a cost/benefit analysis for retrofit versus replacement for each critical system.
- Identify applicable rebates and timelines for application.
Real-world examples of common upgrades
In practice, I’ve seen several effective approaches across commercial properties. A small restaurant swapped an aging unit for a modern heat pump using a low-GWP refrigerant and cut winter heating costs. A mid-size supermarket staged a move to CO₂ rack refrigeration in one aisle at a time, keeping operations running while testing controls and staff training. An office building in Cherry Creek combined chilled-water plant upgrades with new controls to optimize part-load efficiency when tenants vary their schedules.
Each solution depends on the property’s needs, budget, and future goals. That’s why a tailored review, rather than a one-size-fits-all recommendation, is essential.
Final thoughts and next steps
The refrigerant transition in Denver is a practical opportunity—not just an obligation. By acting now, property owners can reduce operating costs, improve reliability, and support local climate goals. Start with an audit, prioritize mission-critical equipment, and work with a certified contractor who understands low-GWP options, safety classes, and incentive programs available in Colorado.
If you want help mapping out a plan for your building, I recommend contacting a local commercial HVAC and refrigeration specialist who can provide a site assessment and clear next steps. For assistance in Denver and surrounding neighborhoods, reach out to Nextech for a consultation and to learn how they can help transition your systems to new refrigerants safely and cost-effectively.