Bowman Refrigeration is  now also a Carrier Marine dealer in Alaska effective August 2011!  In addition to the 5 Line compressors and parts we have been supplying to the fishing industry for decades, we also offer the full compliment of marine components, equipment, and turnkey systems – not just for refrigeration, but for HVAC as well.

Bowman Refrigeration is proud to be Seattle's only dealer for Carrier Corporation Marine Division.  We work closely with Carrier to supply equipment, parts, and service to the maritime industry.  In addition to the 5 Line compressors and parts we have been supplying to the fishing industry for decades, we also offer the full compliment of marine components, equipment, and turnkey systems, not just for refrigeration but HVAC as well.

Bowman Refrigeration is pleased to announce we are now a Technicold Dealer.  Technicold is a leading manufacturer of small capacity marine refrigeraing equipment for chilling, freezing and HVAC.

If either Wescold/WE Stone or Seattle Refrigeration was your service provider you are probably looking for a reputable contractor for equipment, service, parts, or fabrication.  Bowman Refrigeration has the depth of experience that both companies had before their demise, so we can deal with just about any issue you may need assistance with.  We have talented field technicians and fabricators, and a very well equipped shop for machine overhauls and prefabrication.

Our expertise ranges from small commercial systems through heavy industrial ammonia plants, and we’re very proud of our level of customer service.

If you have an existing system and need parts or service, or in the market for a new system or an upgrade, please give us a call. 

If you have an R-22 system built before 2010 you ARE NOT REQUIRED to change refrigerants!




EPA has no requirement whatsoever for you to change refrigerants if you are currently using ZR-22.Other than ammonia (R-717), R-22 has probably been the most commonly used refrigerant for medium and large (25 HP to 1,000 + HP) industrial process freezing, chilling, and cold storage applications.  From a design perspective its properties are very similar to ammonia and it has proven to be a real workhorse.

On January 1, 2010, new laws took effect that begin the gradual phaseout of  R-22.  (See the EPA schedule at the end of this article.)  What does this mean to you?  Quite possibly, nothing.

If you already own a system with R-22, you need take no action at this time.  R-22 will be available for the foreseeable future to service your system.  Of course it is important now as it always has been, to take positive steps to ensure your system is tight, to minimize contribution to ozone depletion, and to avoid the ever increasing cost of replacing lost refrigerant.

Manufacturers have already discontinued the production of self-contained systems designed for R-22, as well as appliances that are shipped with refrigerant already charged – such as refrigerators, water coolers, small air conditioners, and the like.  But equipment and components for repair and replacement in existing R-22 systems can still be purchased.

If you are having a new system built, you will be able to choose between ammonia and one of the new HFC refrigerants.  Where R-22 covered a wide range of industrial applications, each of the new HFCs is suitable for a more narrow range.  So the selection will depend on various factors such as system size (capacity) and operating temperature.

In some cases, it will make sense to retrofit an existing system to one of the new HFC refrigerants.  For example, a system using a semi-hermetic compressor that suffers a major compressor failure and an exact replacement is no longer available.  You would then choose a compressor/refrigerant combination that fits your application, and proceed with a retrofit.

Things to be aware of when retrofitting from R-22 to a replacement HFC.

● Mineral oils and AB (alkyl benzene) lubricants are not miscible with HFC refrigerants.  This means a full or partial change to POE (polyolester) lubricant.

● Elastomer seals such as O-rings will have to be renewed, as they will have become saturated with the prior lubricant, and may leak due to shrinking when exposed to the new refrigerant. 

● Lines sizes, motor capacities, condenser capacities, and component pressure ratings will all have to be carefully reviewed before retrofitting.  In some cases no change will be required, while in others the existing equipment or components may be inadequate.

Per EPA; R-22 (HCFC-22) IS BEING PHASED OUT ACCORDING TO THE FOLLOWING SCHEDULE
January 1, 2010
Ban on the production and importing of HCFC-22 except for on-going servicing needs of existing systems. Production and importing of HCFC-22 will still be allowed for refrigeration systems in service prior to January 1, 2010.

January 1, 2015
Ban on the sale and use of HCFC-22 except for certain uses, including on-going servicing needs of existing refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.

January 1, 2020
Complete ban on the production and import of HCFC-22. Servicing of existing systems will still to be allowed; but R-22 will be available only from recovered or stockpiled quantities. It is difficult to predict when these supplies will run out.
Supplies may be available until almost all equipment containing R-22 is retired. However,
supplies will be more limited and costs of HCFCs will likely rise.

Please note our new address:

4451 14th Ave. NW
Seattle, Washington 98107

Our phone numbers are still the same.