Can I purchase XPS made with HFOs?

Kate Noblio Published: Dec. 14, 2019, 12:35 p.m.Last updated: Dec. 23, 2019, 10:40 a.m.

We start a new residential build Spring 2020. Can I purchase XPS panels with HFOs anywhere? If not, any idea when they will be available? If they aren't available, is my best alternative still mineral wool?

Responses (2)

Ecohome Dec. 23, 2019, 10:36 a.m. Reply

We have reason to believe that sometime in 2020 there will be a switch to HFO blowing agents with a much lower Global Warming Potential (GWP), but no manufacturers of XPS insulation have switched blowing agents yet. So as it stands, any XPS rigid insulation board you purchase will still have an impact several hundred times worse than EPS. And the moment that the switch is made, manfucturers will contact us with the news, so Ecohome members will be the first to know.

Eddy Luttmer Dec. 19, 2019, 1:39 p.m. Reply

No answer means nobody is fibbing. I am looking at EPS (cheaper) vs. mineral wool board (doesn't burn and maybe is acoutically better too). In both cases need to go with 2-in. vs the 1.5-in. notionally acceptable if using XPS.

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