Background: Production and Imports of Ozone-Depleting Refrigerants

In 1987 the Montreal Protocol, an international environmental agreement, established requirements that began the worldwide phase out of ozone-depleting CFC’s (chlorofluorocarbons). These requirements were later modified, leading to the phase out in 1996 of CFC production in all developed nations. In addition, a 1992 amendment to the Montreal Protocol established a schedule for the phase out of HCFC’s (hydro chlorofluorocarbons). HCFC’s are substantially less damaging to the ozone layer than CFC’s, but still contain ozone-destroying chlorine. The Montreal Protocol as amended is carried out in the U.S. through Title VI of the Clean Air Act, which is implemented by EPA.

Phase out Schedule for HCFC’s Including R-22

January 1, 2004

The amount of all HCFC’s that can be produced nationwide must be reduced by 35% by 2004.

January 1, 2010

After 2010, chemical manufacturers may still produce R-22 to service existing equipment, but not for use in new equipment. As a result, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system manufacturers will only be able to use pre-existing supplies of R-22 to produce new air conditioners and heat pumps. These existing supplies would include R-22 recovered from existing equipment and recycled.

January 1, 2020

Use of existing refrigerant, including refrigerant that has been recovered and recycled, will be allowed beyond 2020 to service existing systems, but chemical manufacturers will no longer be able to produce R-22 to service existing air conditioners and heat pumps.

What Does the R-22 Phase out Mean for Consumers?

Availability: R-22 must be recovered and recycled (for reuse in the same system), reclaimed (reprocessed to the same purity levels as new R-22), or destroyed. This could take some time but could also mean that R-22 will not be widely available.

Cost: with dwindling supplies, the consumer should be aware that prices of R-22 may increase. This is just the basic supply-demand economic forces in play.

A Common Sense Approach To Servicing Your System

Along with prohibiting the production of ozone-depleting refrigerants, the Clean Air Act also mandates the use of common sense in handling refrigerants. By containing and using refrigerants responsibly — that is, by recovering, recycling, and reclaiming, and by reducing leaks — their ozone depletion and global warming consequences are minimized. You should always select a reputable dealer that employs service technicians who are EPA-certified to handle refrigerants.

All our technicians are certified to “Section 608 certification” of the Clean Air Act that requires minimizing releases of ozone-depleting chemicals from HVAC equipment.

A Common Sense Approach To Purchasing New Systems

You should consider energy efficiency, along with performance, reliability and cost, in making your decision. And don’t forget that when purchasing a new system, you can also speed the transition away from ozone-depleting R-22 by choosing a system that uses ozone-friendly refrigerants like R-410 which is gaining widespread use for higher efficiency systems.

For more details on the Clean Air Act and to get more educated on the laws, please visit the EPA Site.

Common Myths about R-410A

There have been a number of myths and misconceptions about R-410A refrigerant and air conditioners that use it that we have heard over the years. Some of these are completely untrue, and some are simply exaggerated. Here are some of them.

R-410A costs are much higher

As with any new technology/product, the initial manufacturing process costs are higher. The same is true for the non-ozone depleting refrigerant R410A. With the deadline to change refrigerants, as more suppliers start manufacturing R410A, the cost will come down.

Over the next few years, you will see prices of R22 systems go up as these manufacturers have to switch production to R410A systems that are mandated by law.

R-410A technology is new and it’s better to wait

Air conditioners using R-410A have been available in the U.S. since the mid 1990’s, so they’re not new. They’re new to people who haven’t heard about them, and the fact that there will be no R22 systems going to be manufactured in years to come.

R-410A air conditioners are prone to break down more often

New technology used for R410A systems are designed and built with a heavier gauge metal to provide heavy-duty operation. This has the effect of less vibrations that lead to fewer equipment failures; additionally, this also reduces noise levels.

Manufacturers require their distributors and technicians to be fully trained on R-410A before they can sell, install or service R-410A equipment. As a result, a properly installed and maintained R-410A system is more reliable.

R-410A equipment is unsafe

With over a million R-410A air conditioners operating worldwide, and nearly a decade of field testing and product history, there is no evidence to suggest that R-22 systems are any safer than systems that contain R-410A.

R410A systems are rigorously tested by their manufacturers, as well as by independent safety testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories. Most of the negative comments are from independent installers and equipment suppliers who are not certified and trained by the manufacturer.