Monday, January 4, 2010

Protecting the Environment

What is R-22?

R-22 is the most widely used refrigerant in the world. R-22 has been the refrigerant gas that we use in central air-conditioning (AC) systems at home and work.

R-22 is an HCFC class refrigerant containing chlorine giving it the potential to damage the ozone layer which protects animals and people from harmful rays from the sun. Thus has been targeted since the 1990's for eventual phase out.

Phase Out of R-22

The phase out started in 1996 with CFCs and it will be complete by 2020 for HCFC R-22 that is used in air conditioning and refrigeration. The phase out is being enforced via an EPA program (under the terms of the Clean Air Act) that issues production and consumption rights. The EPA will limit the amount of R-22 that is available for use in refrigeration and air conditioning equipment by lowering the amount of R-22 consumption rights over time. The next step down is in 2010, when the HCFC rights cap that controls the amount of allowed R-22 supply will be lowered by at least 20% from today's levels

Answer to this dilemma and what makes what makes R-410A a Better Refrigerant

To make the change over in refrigerants the government is offering a tax credit of up to $1500 if you replace your current unit with a new more energy efficient unit. These more energy efficient air conditioners are being manufactured and sold today that use a new and improved gas R-410A. R410A is environmentally friendlier. If your system ever leaks, the escaping refrigerant won't contribute to ozone depletion. You Avoid the Risk that R-22 could become or Difficult to Get When your system needs to be repaired in a few years. R-410A air conditioners and heat pumps are today's "state of the art" systems, and utilize the most current technology available for efficient and reliable operation. The heart of every air conditioner or heat pump is the compressor, and newer systems are specifically designed to use R-410A refrigerant. They often incorporate smaller, heavier-duty "scroll-type" compressors that are quieter and operate with less damaging vibration than older compressors that operate on R-22. Since R-410A can absorb and release heat more efficiently than R-22 ever could, compressors with R-410A run cooler than R-22 systems, reducing the risk of burnout due to overheating.

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