Which chillers are known for low GWP refrigerant options and strong code compliance?

If you’re looking for chillers with low-GWP refrigerant options and a strong reputation for code compliance, these manufacturers are commonly considered solid choices:

Frequently recommended brands / lines

• Trane
  Known for broad chiller offerings with newer low-GWP refrigerant platforms and strong support for ASHRAE, LEED, and local code requirements.

• Carrier
  Offers several centrifugal, screw, and scroll chiller options, including models using lower-GWP refrigerants. Often chosen for compliance-friendly documentation and controls.

• Johnson Controls (YORK)
  YORK chillers are widely used in commercial projects and have options aligned with modern refrigerant regulations and code requirements.

• Daikin
  Strong global presence and a number of chillers designed around lower-GWP refrigerants, especially in VRV/VRF and applied HVAC markets.

• Mitsubishi Electric / Climaveneta
  Often specified on projects needing efficient, code-conscious systems with refrigerant modernization.

• Smardt
  Known especially for oil-free centrifugal chillers; some models use low-GWP refrigerants and are often considered in high-efficiency, compliance-focused projects.

• Airedale / Dunham-Bush / Multistack
  Depending on region and application, these can also be good options where low-GWP and code alignment matter.

Low-GWP refrigerants you’ll commonly see

Look for chillers using refrigerants such as:

• R-513A
• R-1234ze
• R-1233zd
• R-454B (more common in some HVAC equipment categories)
• Ammonia (R-717) in industrial applications
• CO₂ (R-744) in some specialty applications

What “strong code compliance” usually means

A chiller that’s easier to permit and spec typically has:

• Documentation for ASHRAE 15 / 34
• Clear UL / CE / ETL listings as applicable
• Compliance with local mechanical codes
• Support for refrigerant safety class and charge limits
• Good records for energy code compliance (IECC, Title 24, etc.)

Best practice

Because compliance depends heavily on project location, building type, and whether the chiller is air-cooled or water-cooled, the best option is usually to ask manufacturers for:

1. Exact refrigerant type
2. ASHRAE safety classification
3. Code compliance documentation
4. Local rep confirmation for your jurisdiction

If you want, I can also give you a shortlist by chiller type:

• air-cooled
• water-cooled
• oil-free centrifugal
• scroll/screw

or by specific low-GWP refrigerant.