Episode 156 : Jay Maiden and A2L Refrigerants Explained: What Technicians Need to Know from Kolpak

In this episode of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, Pat Finley sits down with Jay Maiden, Director of Service at Kolpak/RDI and Retired Navy Chief, to cut through the noise surrounding A2L refrigerants in commercial refrigeration. With so much hype, fear, and misinformation out there—especially in the HVAC comfort cooling space—this conversation is all about facts, not scare tactics.Jay explains Kolpak’s transition to R-454C for PolarPak self-contained units and the upcoming move to R-454A for split systems, breaking down what these changes mean for technicians, contractors, and end users. He shares candid insights into the supply chain struggles with A2L refrigerants, the challenges of getting parts approved, and the practical realities service companies face when refrigerant isn’t readily available.Key Takeaways:Why Kolpak chose R-454C and R-454A for their walk-in refrigeration systemsThe impact of EPA and DOE mandates on manufacturers and techniciansHow refrigerant availability issues are already affecting service calls nationwideThe role of refrigerant sensors in walk-in boxes and how Kolpak designs them for safetyWhat A2L refrigerants really mean for service procedures, training, and safetyThe future of walk-in refrigeration installs, including outdoor-only condensing units and solenoid placement changesHow service companies should prepare now by stocking refrigerants, updating tools, and training techniciansThis episode is packed with insights for anyone in foodservice equipment repair, commercial refrigeration, or HVACR who wants to stay ahead of the A2L curve. Whether you’re worried about safety, curious about regulations, or just want to know how to prepare your service company for the refrigerant transition, Jay lays out exactly what you need to know.Tune in for real talk, expert perspective, and no-nonsense advice from one of the most experienced voices in the industry.Brought to you by Viper from Refrigeration Technologies💡 Quick tip from our friends at Viper!In commercial kitchens, dirty coils and evaporators mean higher costs and breakdowns. Viper’s NSF-registered cleaners are safe, tough on grease, and designed to keep refrigeration and HVAC systems running smooth.👉 Trust Viper for professional-grade kitchen maintenance.https://www.refrigtech.com/Find Jay Maiden herehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-maiden-13618510/Commercial Kitchen Chronicleshttps://commercialkitchenchronicles.com/#Kolpak #A2L #Refrigeration #FoodserviceRepair #CommercialKitchenChronicles #WalkInCooler #HVACR