R-140A is the new refrigerant set to replace the old R-22 gas, in what is called the R-22 gas phase out. This new refrigerant has several advantages that prove economical as well as efficient.

Advantages of R-140A:

• Quiet operation
• Less energy is consumed
• It has no ozone-depleting components
• Reliability is improved and commendable
• Product performance has increased

There are certain products that run on this new refrigerant R-140A, namely state of art technology, heat pumps and air-conditioning units. These devices are approved on the basis of the Clean Air Act 2010 and meet all the necessary specifications.

For the past few years, air-conditioning units and heat pumps used R-22 refrigerant in order to function. These were sold in large numbers. These days, customers can opt for the same equipment running on R-140A.

Air-conditioning units have become at once more efficient and eco-friendly due to the new refrigerant. Furthermore, the heat performance is comparatively better in air-conditioning units using R-140A, and reliability has improved remarkably.

Customers have to be careful while purchasing air-conditioning units, as manufacturers and vendors are selling R-22 products at cheap prices. It is always advisable to opt for the other alternative. If any users are still using R-22 devices, they should immediately shift to ones using R-140A.

Phase-out of R22 is the next move in the transition to environmentally safer refrigerants. R22 is the most commonly used refrigerant globally. It is widely used in commercial, residential, industrial and transportation systems.

New legislation is making it compulsory for the replacement and removal of low temperature refrigerant systems. The move brought in by this legislation will affect companies that need to use R22 to operate their current systems.

The R22 legislation changes are being made for the following reasons:

The main reason behind these changes is because of studies that show the harmful effects of R22 on the ozone layer. The R22 refrigerant results in excessive UV levels. This increase in UV levels can contribute to further environmental problems. There is still a debate on the extent to which R22 refrigerant can contribute to global warming. However most of the affected companies have taken this opportunity to obey the new regulations earlier than planned.

If you are concerned how the phase out of R-22 might affect your business, contact your online air conditioning specialist who will be able to give you further guidance regarding this matter.

R-22 is a refrigerant that is commonly used in many air conditioning units all over the world. Unfortunately, the ozone layer depletion potential (ODP) of R-22 is higher or greater than other refrigerants.

At present, you will find various manufacturers coming up with new products or units which use refrigerants other than R-22. Alternatives like R-410A and R-407C are commonly used, as they are eco-friendly replacements.

The advantages of using new air conditioning units

The new era of air conditioning units which possess newer refrigerants only consume half the power in comparison to older models that used R-22 in them. The latest units also have advanced energy saving controls which helps to reduce the running costs. Other than these benefits, they are also quieter than the older models and have better control of the temperature in the room.

In addition to this, the new units come with 3 years warranty which means that you do not have to worry about maintenance and repairs. On the other hand, if you are still using R-22 based units then it would be very difficult to find the spare parts after the phase out. Thus, while buying a new air conditioning unit for commercial or domestic use, you need to make sure that you buy the new R-407C or R-410A based units.

The Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme, which provides funding for air conditioning systems, has been updated and improved. Manufacturing and servicing air conditioning equipment, and the funding for designs are now included in this. It also includes commercial air conditioning funding and domestic air conditioning funding.

The ECA scheme is an important part of the UK Government’s programme. It was developed to encourage businesses to spend on energy saving equipment. In 2001, the ECA scheme was introduced by the government to reward businesses that already spent on energy saving equipment, as well as encourage new businesses to do the same.

Businesses that invest in energy saving equipment are provided with a tax incentive by the ECA scheme. The Energy Technology List (ETL) gives details about the requirements for all types of technology and lists those points in every group that meet those requirements. ETL is supervised by the Carbon Trust and has two parts: Energy Technology Product List (ETPL) and Energy Technology Criteria List (ETCL). Each product listed under ETPL must meet the energy saving requirements published in the ETCL. The ECA is awarded in relation to the cost of the equipment being installed as well as the installation costs.

Greener air conditioning systems are cost effective, energy efficient and environmentally friendly. The government are hoping that the ECA scheme offers an incentive for companies and businesses to invest in greener air conditioning systems, and so lower their contribution to global warming and greenhouse gas pollution.

If you have been reading the papers recently, you will be aware of the environmental damage humans inflict on the earth on a daily basis. Scientists and researchers all over the world believe harmful chemicals mixing with the environment are the main causes for this.

R 22 - One of the main culprits

There are many substances that have lead to environmental damage. But of these, R-22 has had the most effect on the ozone layer. A HCFC, this air conditioning refrigerant causes the earth’s protective envelope to deplete should the chemical be leaked into the atmosphere. When this happens, hydrochlorofluorocarbons are released into the air and the chlorine from this compound causes damage to the ozone layer. Due to the seriousness of this issue, R-22 is now being phased out.

Dealing with the phase out of R-22

R-22 is the most commonly used refrigerant in air conditioning units all around the world. This includes air conditioners, refrigerators and other kinds of heating and cooling equipment. So to abide by government regulations, it is necessary for facilities to replace these R-22 systems with environmentally approved ones.

Conforming to these regulations can require individuals to upgrade existing cooling and heating systems or even install new equipment. Fortunately, the government has given those who use R-22 an ample amount of time to get rid of their R-22 air conditioning units and install eco-friendly systems.

If you thought that your home energy bills were high, you may like to take a look at the energy bills from large companies. Of course, they need to use a lot of energy. But sometimes this energy is wasted. The rapid depletion of natural resources is proving to be detrimental to the Earth. For this reason governments all over the world have launched many new ways for companies to reduce energy consumption.

Introducing the Energy Technology List

Companies in many countries are now being introduced to the Energy Technology List as it offers details on energy saving products and technologies. These products and technologies can help save a lot of energy and operational costs in the long term. This will not only help businesses save money, but it can also do a lot of good to the environment as a whole.

Different technologies included in the ETL

Everyone knows that companies require many different kinds of systems to carry out daily business. Most of these systems result in high energy consumption, which eventually leads to environment damaging effects. The Energy Technology List targets these different systems to reduce energy consumption. The groups include radiant and warm air heaters, compressed air equipment, lighting, combined power and heat, solar thermal systems and heat pumps for space heating.

Pipe insulation, thermal screens, boilers and their add ons are also on the list of products and technologies that can help save energy. In fact, governments are constantly introducing products and ways to save energy and reduce CO2 emissions in the environment as well. Air conditioning forms a major part of the world’s energy consumption. So companies can now use environmentally friendly air conditioners to help conserve energy.

Most older air conditioners use the R22 refrigerant for cooling. “R” stands for refrigerant and the figure denotes the number of the fluorine atoms in the compound. The boiling point of this refrigerant is -40.8 degrees Celsius and this is one of the main reasons why it is used in most applications. R22 is used for liquefaction of gases like chlorine in various machines and chillers.

You will find R22 in all types of air conditioners such as window air conditioners, packaged air conditioners and also central air conditioners.

Although R22 is popularly used, this refrigerant is being phased out. Why is the R22 phase out necessary? One of the main reasons for the phase out is that the chemical constituents of R22 directly affect the ozone layer. Unfortunately R22 add to the problem of global warming. After the phase out, production of R22 will be stopped. For cooling appliances like air conditioning units, new refrigerants have now been introduced.

The alternatives to R22

Most manufacturers all over the world are opting for alternatives to R22. These new substitutes are not harmful to the environment which makes them a much better option. Some of the alternatives to R22 which can be easily used in most of the appliances are R-134A, R-507, R-410A and R-407C.

R22 is a refrigerant which is commonly used in most of the air conditioning units. R22 is a halocarbon compound which has a chemical formula CHCIF2 which means that it is a HCFC. At present, most countries the world over have banned the manufacture of R22. This is because R22 has the potential to cause ozone layer depletion. In addition to this, R22 also contributes to global warming.

How does ozone layer depletion affect us all?

Once the upper layers of the ozone are depleted then the UV rays generated by the sun can easily reach the surface of the Earth. This can lead to a rise in temperatures on the Earth and the rays are also harmful to human skin. To prevent humans from the affects of R22 and other HCFCs, it has been decided to stop the production and use of R22. This is known as R22 phase out.

R22 phase out is divided into two timelines

January 1, 2010 – After this date, there was a complete ban on the import or production of R22 for any appliances.

January 1, 2015 – By this date, there must be a stop in the sales and use of R22. This means that even usage for servicing of units will be banned or stopped.

One substitute for for R22 is R410A which is not harmful to the ozone layer and hence the environment.

As the R-22 phase out is set to begin extremely soon, there are a few things your business needs to do in preparation. Listed below are a few avenues open to you:

1) As the owner or operator of a plant or HVAC units, you should look forward to working with an effective and capable service. This will help to ensure that your plant is maintained in a secure state.

2) Next, you should be in a position to determine the right option from the three available to you. As an operator of equipment that uses HCFCs, you have the option of:

a) Replacement: You can replace your existing system with a new plant which uses a non HCFC refrigerant.

b) Modification: You can modify your existing units to comply with a non HCFC refrigerant.

c) Continue: You can also using your plant for a few years more after 2009. However, your ability to sustain such a plant will be subject to the availability of HCFC.

3) Identify all the units within your organisation that use HCFCs. This should include air conditioning units and other units that use refrigerants. Collate and evaluate data corresponding to your current requirements of HCFC refrigerant use.

4) Evaluate the phase out options based on the parameters of: age of the units, performance and the plant design.

Keep these guidelines in mind when considering all of your R-22 phase out options.

There are many consumers who use air conditioning filters without sufficiently understanding the features or functioning of these devices. This eventually prevents the users from enjoying the unhindered benefits of air conditioning devices. Air filters are one of the important components of air conditioning units.

The cleaning and replacement of the air conditioning filters is required to enhance the performance of the device. However, the lack of appropriate maintenance can affect the performance of the air conditioning unit.

Air conditioner filter maintenance

Air conditioning filters ensure that the home owners breathe clean air devoid of any dust particles or germs. However, these filters tend to accumulate the dust particles they protect you from. If you change the filter you can also curb the electricity expenditure as the device will consume less energy. It will also prove beneficial for the consumer’s health. You can enhance the performance of the device with regular air conditioning filter maintenance. A lack of upkeep can curb the overall performance of the device.

How to maintain air conditioner filters

You can maintain the filters via a simple cleaning procedure. Wash the filters with clear water to clean the dust particles and mould. Use a brush to remove the obstinate clogged particles and ensure that the filter is dry before reattaching it to the air conditioning unit. Turn on the air conditioner and enjoy the cool breeze of the device.

You can also consult an expert in the cleaning and maintenance procedure. Clean the air filters regularly and improve the performance and lifespan of the device.