All air conditioning systems require a refrigerant to facilitate the cooling process. For decades the most popular air conditioning refrigerant was R-22. However, its potential for depleting the ozone layer, which is the Earth’s protective atmospheric shield, has made it unusable today. Due to this, R-22 has been phased out and replaced by more environmentally-friendly air conditioning refrigerants.

The complete phase out of R-22

From the beginning of this year, a ban on the production and import of R-22 has been issued by a number of governments. However, refrigerant will still be used for servicing existing equipment for some time. Eventually, by 1st January 2020, the refrigerant will be banned completely. From now until 2015, customers still using R-22 systems are being advised to switch to alternate refrigerants.

Alternate options

There are a number of suitable refrigerants available that do not harm the ozone layer. These include R-507, R-404A, R-410A, R-134A and R-407C.

The availability of these new, eco-friendly refrigerants has made it possible for people to start investing in new systems. Newer systems running on these refrigerants are also more energy-efficient than R-22 based units, making them a cost-effective option in the long run.

A scheme allowing companies use energy saving equipment and also be rewarded for doing so seems too good to be true, but that is exactly what the government is offering companies that cut down on energy consumption through Enhanced Capital Allowance. This is a huge boon to companies looking to reduce their carbon footprints, but concerned about the expense of investing in new equipment.

Enhanced Capital Allowance addresses some of the most prevalent problems in modern business, by offering tax relief at a time when businesses are struggling financially when they show their commitment to environmental concerns.

Enhanced Capital Allowance is available in three different schemes. The inclusion of any of these will entitle companies to gain rewards from the government. The ECA schemes are as follows:

• The first includes water conservation machinery and plants.

• Another scheme involves using energy-saving machinery and plants.

• A third scheme is for companies that use cars with low carbon dioxide emissions. This also applies to those companies that use hydrogen refueling infrastructures.

What many companies have not yet understood is that Enhanced Capital Allowance is more than just saving on operations or gaining rewards. It is a way for all kinds of companies to help preserve the environment; an important goal that everyone should be working towards today.

Some consumers fail to understand the maintenance aspect involved with the different components of air conditioners. This is the reason why consumers have to spend a lot of money on replacements of air conditioning parts. They therefore have to seek the help of air conditioning professionals. However, you can ensure that you reduce this additional expenditure by following some simple maintenance tips.

Most air conditioning related problems arise due to a lack of proper air conditioning filter and duct maintenance. Air conditioner filters perform the function of filtering the air. They ensure that users breathe clean air devoid of any contamination. This process covers them with dirt and dust. Air conditioning maintenance professionals may charge a lot for this cleaning procedure which can be done in house.

Air filters consist of a mesh-like part that slides in and out of the air conditioning unit with ease. Remove the air conditioning casing and take out the air filter. You can clean it with a vacuum cleaner to remove the build up of dust. Air ducts can be cleaned the same way.

Follow these simple cleaning procedures and enhance the performance of your air conditioning unit whilst saving money on maintenance.

If you are still using R-22 refrigerant-run air conditioning units then you are in breach of the ban that the government has introduced on these gases. The year 2010 marks the official ban on the commercial use or supply of harmful refrigerants which contain CFCs and HCFCs.

Why these refrigerants?

Refrigerant gases are usually used for climate control in commercial firms. They are found in air conditioning and heating units. The R-22 refrigerants contain hydrochlorofluorocarbons, chlorofluorocarbons and perfluorocarbons. Such gases are ozone depleting substances. They react with the ozone layer, diminishing it and therefore leaving the Earth vulnerable to UV rays from the sun. These gases also contribute to the global warming phenomenon. This is the reason why concerned authorities track and monitor the use of these gases.

According to the Montreal and Kyoto Protocol, consumers and commercial organisations should completely avoid the use of these potentially harmful refrigerants, and several countries have already set strict standards for monitoring any sort of refrigerant leak. It is now up to individuals and businesses to put an end to R-22 refrigerant usage and protect the environment. The government has introduced tax benefits to companies to help them comply with the legislation.

ECA stands for Enhanced Capital Allowance and denotes a scheme that is an integral part of the government’s environmental agenda. The ECA scheme has been introduced to manage climate change and is designed to motivate businesses to invest in equipment which will help to save energy.

Introduction of ECA

In 2001, the government introduced the ECA scheme to motivate businessmen to invest in energy saving and low carbon equipment. The program is designed to help the UK in reaching its Kyoto target i.e. reducing carbon emission by 20%.

Change in climate and temperature is one of the biggest threats to our Earth’s environment. R22 refrigerant is damaging the ozone layer which protects the planet from harmful ultra-violet rays. We need to take precautionary measures to save our planet from global warming. Carbon emissions produced by burning fossil fuels are the biggest cause of this problem. About half of these come for industrial and business processes.

There are three ECA schemes that offer enhanced tax relief for the investment in equipment which has environmental advantages like water efficient equipment, energy saving equipment and low carbon dioxide emission machinery.

What does the ECA Energy scheme entail?

The ECA scheme offers a tax incentive to businesses who buy equipment on the ETL. The Energy Technology List, or ETL, details the conditions for each type of technology. They list only those that meet their criteria. This is managed by the Carbon Trust on behalf of the government.

Air conditioners are among the most important devices in commercial units and workplaces. They help create a pleasant atmosphere that keeps staff and customers happy.

Filters play an important role in the smooth and efficient functioning of the air conditioning device. Air filters keep the air that is circulated cool and pure. Air conditioning filters are available in many different types. Standard air filters, pleated air filters and electronic air filters are some of the different types available nowadays.

Standard filters are the most commonly found variety of air conditioning filters. These models filter ten percent of the bacteria and dust particles and can last around two to four months. However, it is advisable that you opt for electrostatic materials that are more efficient compared to the standard filters. These filter the air much more comprehensively and they also last longer.

However, irrespective of the type of filters selected you should ensure that you clean the filters regularly to remove any dust particles. If you do this every two weeks or so, you will help to preserve the machine, stopping it from overworking to compete with the dust.

Enhance the performance of your air conditioning filters by cleaning them regularly.

Air conditioning units are widely used nowadays. They are the best solutions to overcome hot and humid air, whether it is a result of the climate or poorly regulated buildings. Air conditioning units greatly help to maintain a cool environment in any room. This is the major reason why air conditioning units are so widely used in both homes and offices.

In order to cool a room, air conditioning units make use of refrigerants. These refrigerants have the ability to absorb heat from a room and convert it into cool air. Refrigerants are generally made from chemical compounds that contain chlorine. Gases emitted from air conditioning units generally settle in the atmosphere. However, some gases are extremely harmful to our environment.

When these gases are emitted into the environment, they deplete the ozone layer. R-22 is the most commonly used refrigerant in all air conditioning units available today. If these refrigerants are directly vented into the atmosphere, they can cause a threat to our environment. This is why it has recently been decided to phase the gas out.

If our ozone layer gets depleted, harmful ultraviolet rays emitted from the sun can directly enter the atmosphere. It is essential to replace the R-22 refrigerants with an environmentally friendly alternative. If you own an air conditioning unit at your home or office, you must ensure that it is maintained on a regular basis. Moreover, if your air conditioning unit runs on R-22 refrigerant, you should replace it with an environmentally friendly one such as R-410A.

Thousands of companies in the UK are going to be affected by R-22 replacement (the removal of all old refrigeration gases and air conditioning units). This is a complex and substantial piece of legislation.

Progress in the refrigerant gases has made older models of air conditioning units inferior in terms of effectiveness. R22 refrigerant was used in older systems, but was found to be hazardous to the environment in several ways. We have an ozone layer which protects us from harmful ultraviolet rays (UV rays). The depletion of the ozone layer and subsequent admittance of the UV rays is the root cause of many threats such as skin cancer. R22 refrigerants are causing holes in the ozone layer which makes it possible for the UV rays to enter the Earth’s atmosphere. Recent research has shown that this also contributes to global warming. It is very important to eradicate the use of R22 refrigerants and replace it by an eco-friendly gas as soon as possible.

R22 refrigerants are frequently used in process chillers and in industrial refrigerant plants. In the UK, most commercial air conditioning units used R22 refrigerant before 2001. Now, there are many companies who have replaced R22 refrigerants with zero ODP refrigerants. Others that are dependent on R22 will have to do the same.

The new refrigerant gases replacing R22 refrigerants have been tested and proven to be more energy-efficient as well as cost effective. Companies investing in eco-friendly technology will also benefit from tax free relief on their investment.

Air conditioning maintenance will ensure that you do not have to spend extra money on repairs and replacements throughout the year. And, you can ensure that your air conditioning unit functions efficiently by following some simple tips.

Consulting an air conditioning technician is one of the ways in which you can ensure that the device functions properly. Monthly maintenance visits will ensure that the air conditioning unit is in good working order. The more regular the visits, the better the chance a technician has of catching problems early on.

You can also keep the device in good condition by using it infrequently. Use the unit only when required. Cover the windows with blinds to maintain the temperature of the interior of the room. Keep your room as clean as possible to limit the amount of dust that the air conditioner has to deal with.

Check the components of the air conditioning unit thoroughly at least once a month. Change the air filters to ensure that the unit does not have to overwork because it is clogged up. Check the ducts for build-up of dust.

Follow these simple considerations to ensure that your air conditioning unit performs well and make sure you pay it special attention during the summer months.

Air conditioning units provide you with a comfortable working environment. They help to extract the hot, stuffy air from a room and replace it with cool air. Air conditioning units are widely used in places where temperatures are difficult to maintain. In order to enjoy the benefits offered by air conditioning units, it is essential to service and maintain them properly throughout the year.

Whilst maintaining your air conditioning unit is essential, most people tend to neglect it due to lack of time. This is when opting for professional air conditioning services is the best option. Routine maintenance of air conditioning units makes sure that the unit functions efficiently all year. Maintaining the air conditioning unit regularly not only increases its efficiency, but also increases its life span.

By signing a year long maintenance contract, you do not need to worry about your air conditioning unit. The service engineers will take adequate care of your machine. For commercial places and offices that have air conditioning units, such a contract is a must. You cannot afford to have a malfunctioning air conditioning unit when you are responsible for providing good working conditions.

Although you may need to spend a small amount of money on the maintenance of your air conditioning units, the cost will ultimately be recovered when the unit works smoothly and efficiently.