Phasing Out R22 Refrigerant
The United States and other countries have passed federal laws requiring commercial facilities to convert usage of R22 refrigerant to a more environmentally friendly alternative. While many organizations are in the process of conversion to meet the 2015 phase out deadline, others are implementing measures to comply with tracking and reporting requirements for existing systems.
Because it is used in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems in most commercial and business facilities, R22 refrigerant is one of the widely used chemicals in the world. Besides offices, warehouses, production facilities, restaurants and stores, it is also used in process chiller and industrial refrigerant plants. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons contained in the chemical are the focus of concern because these harmful gases are released into the air when a refrigerant leak occurs. This adds to the growing problem of global warming and continues to deplete the earth’s protective ozone layer.
Organizations needing to replace R22 refrigerant are faced with the challenge of switching over to new heating and cooling systems with minimal interruption to business. Along with the conversion, federal law requires proper discarding of R22 and extensive reporting when leaks occur. Under a 2009 law, companies with systems containing 50 pounds of R22 refrigerant must submit annual reports of its usage, service and leaks, while facilities using larger systems are required to submit more frequent reports.
Previous laws have already led to the banning of R22 refrigerant in various areas of production, in household equipment and in certain types of vehicles. The chemical is no longer used in the manufacture of new refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. By 2010, new R22 refrigerant for the maintenance and servicing of existing refrigeration and air conditioning systems will be banned and by 2015, recycled R22 refrigerant for the same purposes will be prohibited.
There are extensive containment and management practices that commercial facilities must adhere to under the U.S. Clean Air Act pertaining to the recovery and recycling of R22 refrigerant during installation, service, or retirement of a system. To make the tasks more manageable, many businesses use software programs and tracking applications that monitor everything automatically.
Under federal regulations established by the United States and other countries worldwide, R22 refrigerant is among the substances currently being phased out. In its place, manufacturers of the refrigerant are developing alternatives that are friendlier to the environment. Among the refrigerants approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for use in commercial facilities are ammonia, R404A and R407c. In addition to being more energy efficient, none of them will deplete the ozone.
Because it contains hydrochlorofluorocarbons, R22 refrigerant has shown to cause significant damage to the ozone layer. As such, companies have begun efforts to comply with the new regulations aimed at reducing the use of refrigerant use. Among the requirements of the law are monitoring equipment using R22 refrigerant, tracking its usage and reporting any leaks. Compliance has become even more important than before following new laws passed in 2009. These regulations allow government regulators to conduct unannounced spot checks to ensure proper tracking of R22. Particular oversight is given in the event of a leak to ensure documentation adequately shows how the gases were recovered.
With a focus on reducing harm to the ozone layer and lowering global warming potential, the United States and other countries are identifying substances, such as R22 refrigerant, that contribute heavily to the problem. By taking proactive steps now, a healthy world awaits in the future.