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.

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.

A summer without the use of air conditioner devices is unimaginable these days. However, have you ever wondered about the origin of the air conditioner?

Ancient cooling devices

The Romans can be touted as the inventors of the cooling device. Ancient Romans enjoyed cooled homes during the summer, thanks to the use of aqueducts or channels. These channels were originally used to supply cool water to different parts of the city. However, when used within a home they provided cool air.

The Chinese invented rotary fans which were powered by water. The Persians used to dig large cisterns or pools in their courtyards. Water evaporation helped to cool the surrounding area. These methods helped to provide a cool breeze during that period.

Invention of the air conditioner

Michael Faraday, a British chemist, invented machinery which could provide air conditioning in the year 1820, while John Gorrie, a physician, adopted this principle and modified it with a fan that could blow air over a bucket of ice. This produced cooler air and this device was used in hospitals. However, the year 1902 marked the official invention of the air conditioner. Willis Haviland Carrier invented the first air conditioning system.

Air conditioners have undergone a tremendous change over the years. However, consumers should ensure that they comply with the recent regulations which have called for a complete ban on R-22 refrigerants.

One of the gases that contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer is the refrigerant R22. This refrigerant has previously been used in the manufacture of air conditioning units. However many countries around the world have decided to phase out R22 refrigerants due to their harmful nature.

R22 damages the ozone layer which should block harmful UV rays from directly entering the Earth’s atmosphere. However, these R22 refrigerants release HCFCs into the air which have a chemical reaction with ozone and hence deplete the ozone layer.

Many think that R22 refrigerants have contributed to a rise in global temperatures. With the increasing temperatures on different continents many more people are suffering from various health problems.

There is an urgent need to control these rising temperatures. And by buying air conditioning units that do not use R22 refrigerants can help make the world a better place to live. Hence, the phase out of R22 refrigerants is one step in the right direction.

R22 refrigerant gas is important to our economy and society, but its use remains responsible for harming our atmosphere. The United States and other countries have come together to amend the use of R22 refrigerant in business facilities with the objective of making it more environmentally friendly.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has permitted the use of refrigerants such as R407C, R404A and ammonia for commercial facilities. The new generation refrigerants do not generate any harmful effects.

The process of this conversion has already begun. Many organisations operating on ventilation, air conditioning and heating are working towards the 2015 phase out deadline. Refrigerant gases are being tracked, managed and reported to the organisation. The existing inventory of R22 refrigerant will be managed through these processes.

R22 refrigerant is a vital component in running the heating operations, ventilations and air conditioners installed in many organisations. The use of this chemical on a large scale is of supreme concern. In the event of a leakage, the hydrochlorofluorocarbons released damage the ozone layer and contribute to global warming.

The task of replacing R22 refrigerant gas is a massive job. For a number of companies it means replacing their current cooling and heating systems without interrupting the business flow.

Companies using systems containing 50 pounds or more of R22 refrigerant need to submit a report of its service, usage and leaks. At present, R22 refrigerant is banned in many areas of production, household tools and in some types of vehicles. Air conditioning equipment being manufactured after 2010 and new forms of refrigeration will operate without the refrigerant.

Refrigerants are mainly used in air conditioning units and there are many types of refrigerants which include air and water, but it is necessary to use a number of additional chemicals for smooth functioning. R11 is one of the refrigerants which were commonly used in air conditioners, but now it has been banned from use.

R22 is another refrigerant that is used in air conditioner units and it is a single hydro chlorofluorocarbon or HCFC compound. It has a low content of chlorine and it is considered as one of the big reasons for ozone depletion and global warming. R22 is still being used systems, but it is no longer used in new systems which are manufactured.

By the end of 2009, the use of virgin R22 will be completely banned, but the use of recycled R22 will continue for maintenance purposes until the end for 2014. Many industry experts are expecting that this recycled source will be depleted before the end of 2014.

Alternative refrigerants

R290 – It is a pure propone, a hydrocarbon (HC) which is an efficient naturally occurring refrigerant. It has similar properties to R22, but - importantly - it does not cause ozone depletion and global warming. Although it is environmentally safe, it is highly flammable and it has to be used carefully for safety.

Ammonia – It is one of the most efficient refrigerants and it has been used in industrial application from many years. However, it is also highly toxic, so any application needs to be designed carefully.

For a sum that has not been disclosed as yet, the proprietary air purification systems producer StrionAir has been acquired by Carrier corp. Known to be the worlds biggest provider in HVAC solutions, Carrier acquired StrionAir, a manufacturer of proprietary air cleansing systems which use a certain “capture and kill” technology. StrionAir created and also patented the sophisticated methods and products of electronic filtration. These methods include the singular whole-house air purifier which is tested by third party testers and known to eliminate airborne microorganisms, diseases and mold.

Carrier has been consistent in its position as leader and has been a vanguard in providing energy efficient solutions which are conducive to the environment. With this acquisition in place, Carrier will be able to include the Infinity air purifier into its range of products. In addition to this there will be an opportunity to develop both in-house as well as other applications for commercial purposes.

Dr. Peter McKinney, vice president for StrionAir said that they looked forward to continuing their leadership in providing quality air conditioning and air purification services for homes and offices. He reinstated his belief in StrionAir’s spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation and said that combined with Carriers know how of top of the line product development and investment will result in better market offerings.

The Carbon Trust is taking important steps to help the SMEs to curtail their energy expenses. Under the Big Business Refit plan, the Carbon Trust is giving loans to a large numbers of SMEs to replace their old technological equipment, including air conditioning and HVAC systems, with the latest products.

It has been found that SMEs are spending huge amounts of money paying their energy bills because the technological equipments they use have become outdated. In the recession hit economic situation it is not possible for these smaller enterprises to spend huge amounts of money to buy new technological equipment.

The Carbon Trust is offering SMEs interest free and security free loans from £3,000 to £400,000. The loan can be repaid in easy instalments over a period of 4 years. In order to qualify for getting the loan the SME must have less than 250 employees and an annual turnover of below £42 million.

Taking this loan is highly beneficial for companies that have old technological equipments and air conditioning systems. Replacing such equipments with new low energy consuming air conditioners and technological equipments shall help the businesses to save money and increase profitability. So, avail this opportunity and enjoy the benefits.

The refrigeration and air conditioning industry is set to receive a new service this month in the form of the air conditioning and heat pump institute. This new service is being instated in order to provide information for individuals and entities that install, repair and are responsible for the upkeep of air conditioning and heat pump units. This new service will provide technical details and know how, giving patrons tips in air conditioner and heat pump maintenance.

Based on the expertise from a number of sources the air conditioning and heat pump institute (ACHPI) will be offering the very best technical information on niche technical topics predominantly for the air conditioning sector. The ACHPI’s aim is to collate technical knowledge from the support services of manufacturers of air conditioning and heat pump manufacturers with the unmatched familiarity in the field that the institute of refrigeration (IOR) has. The IOR has been known as a credible body for providing realistic guidance and keeping individuals and groups updated with the proper standards and practices.

The chairman for the technical panel of IOR and ACHPI said that this burgeoning sector of air conditioning and refrigeration has a variety of different needs. This new body of the ACCHPI can assist individuals as well as engineers alike in their quest for sound and detailed, reliable information.

With every passing year, the pollution levels on the planet are rising drastically boosting the phenomenon of global warming considerably. It is very important to slow down the process of global warming if you want to keep earth suitable for the coming generations.

If small measures are taken by all people then the environment of the earth can be protected. The year 2010 has been marked as the year of the R-22 phase out. R-22 is a refrigerant which is used in all cooling units and is a harmful CFC gas and helps in the process of global warming.

If the R-22 phase out is made possible then the rate of global warming can be reduced considerably. R-22 phase out can only be made possible with active participation from all individuals. Every single person can help in the process of R-22 phase out by replacing their old cooling units with new cooling equipments that use environment friendly R-410 or similar refrigerants.

If your cooling unit is relatively new and you cannot afford to replace it then you can simply replace the harmful R-22 refrigerant with an environment friendly refrigerant. This is a cost effective measure and shall help in realising the R-22 phase out.

By lending a hand in the R-22 phase out, you can help in slowing down the harmful process of global warming and help in making earth a better place to live in.