Why are the R22 legislation changes being made?
The reasoning behind the changes in the R22 refrigeration legislation is simple- studies have shown they have a detrimental effect on the ozone layer resulting in excessive UV levels. Due to this, the R22 refrigerants may contribute to further environmental damage. The extent to which R22 refrigerants contribute to global warming is still the subject of intensive debate, although many affected companies have taken the opportunity to comply with the new regulations earlier than planned. This is being demonstrated at two levels:
Firstly, the majority of R22 refrigeration units are at least one third of their way through their foreseeable life. As existing R22 refrigeration systems begin to require modernisation, the majority of companies are choosing to phase these out rather than go to expense of needlessly repairing or maintaining them.
Secondly, unlike the R22 refrigerants, each new factory build/extension will now use refrigerants such as ammonia and R404A which have zero ozone depleting potential. These refrigerants are also proven to be more energy efficient than the R22 refrigerant and are therefore a wiser and more popular choice for the companies in question.What are my company’s alternatives to R22?
Most companies that are affected by the R22 legislation will have a policy to specify only the following environmentally friendly refrigerants are incorporated in new equipment: ammonia, R404A and R407c. The chosen alternative is decided at business unit level and is usually dependant upon the business’ requirements towards energy efficiency.
Earth's Ozone Layer has been taking a beating for a long time from ozone depleting substances including refrigerants. The older refrigerants used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems cause widespread damage to the ozone layer and have even caused a hole in layer over the South Pole. In recent years, many countries have signed numerous pacts to reduce and phase out the use of environmentally unfriendly refrigerants.
Refrigerants which contain chlorine as part of the chemical makeup are one of the leading causes of global warming and ozone depletion. R22 is a HCFC refrigerant which contains chlorine and therefore is damaging to the environment.
Much of the refrigeration and air conditioning equipment in use today utilises the R22 refrigerant. With the phaseout in progress now, more and more manufacturers are beginning to cease production of compatible parts and materials. It is inevitable that eventually, replacement refrigerant and parts will become unobtainable.
After 1 January 2010 no more virgin refrigerant R22 can be used in existing systems.
After 2015 no more recycled refrigerant R22 can be used in existing systems.
If you have recently installed an R22 air conditioning system the phase out dates should be a cause for your concern. Your system will only require additional refrigerant should a leak or major repair is required and this can be effected within current legislation until 2015.
Existing units using R-22 can continue to be serviced with R-22 until in 1st of January 2010. Thereafter new refrigerant cannot be bought to fill this system only existing, stockpiled or reclaimed. In addition, the new substitute refrigerants cannot be used without making some changes to system components. As a result, service technicians who repair leaks to the system will continue to charge R-22 into the system as part of that repair.
