If you currently own a large business that uses refrigeration equipment, you are likely aware of new regulations that have been imposed. In the last few years, one of the most ubiquitous refrigerants on the market, Freon, has been slated to be removed from all refrigeration units by 2020. In fact, not only will it need to be extracted and replaced from these devices, but Freon itself cannot be made legally again. It has to do with findings that were discovered years ago which have dramatically changed this industry. Let’s discuss HVAC refrigerants, how some of them have been phased down, and new regulations that must be complied with in this industry.
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What Are HVAC Refrigerants?
HVAC refers to anything related to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. For example, if you have ever had an air conditioning and heating system installed in your home with ducting, this is exactly what this is referencing. The people that install these systems, as well as repair them, are often referred to as HVAC professionals. They are able to install, remove, and also replace these large heating and air conditioning units in homes and buildings. One of the primary components of the AC portion of these systems is called a refrigerant. One of the most popular in history is called R-22. It is also known as Freon, and because of what it does in the atmosphere, it is soon to become outlawed permanently.
What You Should Know About R-22
R-22 is a refrigerant that is made of chlorofluorocarbons. It is marketed under the name of Freon. It is still considered to be one of the most efficient refrigerants ever manufactured. However, it has also been shown to be one of the most detrimental substances for the environment. Once this is airborne, and is able to rise up into the stratosphere, it will eventually come into contact with the ozone layer. Ozone is a very important portion of the atmosphere. It restricts or blocks the harmful UV radiation coming from the sun. Without it, we would likely have a higher possibility of developing skin cancer. When it was notice that a large hole was in the ozone layer decades ago, it was subsequently determined that CFCs were to blame. Initially, aerosol cans were banned, and this was quickly followed by the use of this material in refrigeration systems. For decades, Freon was placed into air conditioning units, freezers, refrigerators, and all similar devices. Today, the primary impetus is to remove this as quickly as possible, replacing it with a comparable refrigerant by the year 2020.
New Regulations In Regard To Refrigerants
There are many countries that have decided to ban Freon completely. For example, in the United States, R-22 will be illegal to import, or to even have, after 2020. Other countries have also followed suit, including countries like Canada that formed the Montréal Protocol. To replace them, hydrofluorocarbons were produced in mass quantities, a substance that does not affect ozone at all. Businesses developed many different types, some of which were actually more energy efficient than Freon, and this has motivated many to start replacing their existing refrigerant with these new and improved ones. An example of this would be TdX 20 by Bluon Energy. It does not have any effect on the ozone layer, and it can also save you up to 25% on your electric bill. These new regulations also have the added benefit of contributing to helping the environment. CO2 is produced in large quantities as electricity is made. These new refrigerants can actually perform at the same level as R-22 without as much pressure from the condenser, thus reducing the need for producing as much electricity for these systems.
What Will Happen Because Of These New Regulations?
There are three benefits to the implementation of these new regulations on chlorofluorocarbons. First of all, it can help prevent any further damage to the ozone layer as created by mankind. Second, due to the fact that machines that use the new refrigerants use less electricity, this means less CO2 is released into the atmosphere. Finally, it is of great benefit to all of the companies that use refrigeration devices. As mentioned earlier, using TdX 20 can help businesses save up to 25% on their electric bill. Other refrigerants are similar. By simply making the choice to upgrade refrigerant you are using, you are helping the environment and improving the profitability of your business. The other benefits that business owners will see is in regard to the actual equipment. If the compressor is not used as much, that means it will last longer. If that one component is not stressed, that means all of the other integrated components such as the condenser, or even the fan, or going to last a longer time. All of this seems to stem from the research that scientists did years ago, leading to the Clean Air Act of 1990. These are beneficial changes, ones that will impact the people on this planet, and will also provide uncountable benefits for the businesses that no longer use CFCs in their refrigeration systems.
There are many organizations that are coming together as a result of this ban on CFCs. Programs like the Natural Resources Defense Council, and many others, are trying to get people, on a worldwide basis, to look at the benefits of using HFCs. Many of the businesses that are resistant to change will only comply because the law requires them to. However, by educating people about the dangers of chlorofluorocarbons, and the benefits of hydrofluorocarbons, it should not be a problem once they understand. That’s why decisions like this can be so meaningful to not only individual businesses, but to the world and also the global economy. As more businesses begin to save money, they will also be doing their part to lessen the threat of climate change. Hopefully, as we continue to phase down on the use of harmful refrigerants, these new regulations will be looked at as a beneficial change.
