As studies have shown that R-22 refrigerant depletes the ozone layer as it has chlorine in it, other studies have been done to find out a refrigerant that is environment friendly. Studies were done on different types of refrigerants, out of which HFC refrigerants have the properties of not harming the ozone layer.

R410A is a refrigerant that does not cause any harm to the environment as it does not contain any chlorine.

R140A has zero ozone depletion potential. With relatively high density and the high efficiency of R410A, it is feasible to reduce the size of the air conditioning system components like compressors, evaporators and piping. As operating pressure is higher compared to R-22 and R-407C, all the system components have to be designed or modified to suit R410A refrigerants. Before installing air conditioners that use R410A refrigerant, there are a number of things that you should keep in mind,

• Ester oil is used for R410A
• It is vital to work with complete cleanliness
• Brazing must be done with use of nitrogen
• System must have been evacuated thoroughly

R410A is a better refrigerant compared to R22. There is a little modification that has to be done in the air conditioning unit, but gradually all units will have to shift to environmentally friendly refrigerants like R410A.

There are many people who are so used to having an HVAC system that it becomes difficult for them to live without it. Although these systems have many positive qualities, they can have quite a harmful effect on the environment. Studies have shown that some of these systems that produce heat in the winter and cool in the summer can affect the ozone layer a great deal.

While producing heat or cooling the room, some of these systems emit dangerous gases like CFCs into the atmosphere. The emissions of CFCs or chlorofluorocarbons into the atmosphere can result in damage to the ozone layer and this contributes to the problem of global warming. For this purpose, it was decided by all countries that banning CFCs was an important step to help preserve the ozone layer.

This step was decided by the Montreal Protocol in 1987, which is an international agreement that considered ways to preserve the stratospheric ozone layer. The move included the phasing out of R-22 gases which are mostly used in HVAC systems and air conditioners.

Today air conditioner manufacturers have made huge changes and altered designs and chemical structures drastically in order to do away with these gases and use non ozone depleting gases, making these systems more environmentally friendly than the previous systems. The main cooling component to be used in these systems is R-410A which is an HFC (hydrofluorocarbon) and since it does not contain chlorine, it will not damage the ozone layer.

When you invest in HVAC equipment, it is important to know that there are phase out dates for R-22 air conditioning refrigerant as this will ensure that your investment is worthwhile. Most HVAC equipment lasts for a very long time, up to 30 years. Therefore make sure that the refrigerant used has a great life expectancy. The flammability and toxicity of the refrigerant used should also be checked. It is advisable to use a refrigerant with lower flame propagation and lower toxicity.

It is important to check the overall efficiency of all components in the air conditioner. It is also advisable and wise to not use R-22 refrigerants in new equipment.

R-134a and R410a are considered to be green refrigerants. Smaller equipment can use R410a as a replacement for R-22. When buying your air conditioning unit, it is a great idea to be aware of the components inside it and the various functions they execute. It is therefore your duty to be pro active when purchasing your air conditioner.

The most commonly used refrigerants are CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs and refrigerant blends. In recent times the currently used refrigerants are R-134a, R-410a and R407C. R-134a is an ozone friendly refrigerant and it is replacing CFCs and HFCs. Make sure you are aware of the refrigerant phase out date before purchasing your air conditioner equipment.

Research has shown that the leakage of chlorine in the refrigerants of air conditioners and other cooling appliances are the main cause behind the depletion of the ozone layer. The air conditioning industry should show support to global efforts for protecting the environment by introducing non-chlorine refrigerants.

Efforts to reduce the impact of leakage from gases on the environment begin with an emphasis on reducing CFC refrigerants. Efforts centred on the elimination of CFCs that were mainly used in air conditioning applications.

The reports show that there are a large number of replacements for hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) commonly known as R-22. In Europe, replacements for R-22 are widely used because of government regulations. Some of these replacements are extensively used, but on the other hand replacement refrigerants have different operating characteristics than R-22. All previous refrigerants before R-410A used to emit chlorine and cause ozone depletion, thus leaving global warming as a focus for upcoming regulations and control.

Direct global warming has become a global issue. The leakage of refrigerants from air conditioning systems has a major impact on this. Refrigerant containment in air conditioning systems can reduce direct global warming effects significantly. This can be achieved by designing systems that reduce the stored volume of refrigerants as well as through the use of R-410A, which does not harm the ozone layer.

An air conditioner is an investment for its owner. So it is a good idea to do some research in order to obtain maximum benefit from it. Also it is important to know some scientific details regarding the air around us. One important fact is that while warm air ascends, cold air descends. While an air conditioning unit is being installed, it is important to have a ventilation system that complements it. This helps in expelling unnecessary gases which are produced as a by-product.

Another important thing to keep in mind is the wall on which the air conditioner will be installed. Direct sunlight decreases the efficiency of your air conditioner.

While you have a choice of a window air conditioner or a centralised air conditioner, make sure that in order to sustain its cooling effect, install it keeping the entire room in mind. However the most important aspect of installing your air conditioner is to get the job done by an expert. Make sure that the person installing your air conditioner has relevant experience - use contractors, technicians or engineers. It is always best to get your air conditioner installed by the technicians from whom you have purchased your unit so that if there is any fault in the machine you can get it replaced.

Many countries witness changes in climatic conditions throughout the year. This can leave people wondering how exactly to cope with the changing temperatures and get through the year. Well, thanks to advancements in technology, there are air conditioning systems that can heat up a room in winter and cool it in summer.

These systems are great to have in places where climate changes drastically, as they serve both purposes. These systems not only alter the room temperature to meet your requirements but work on a very low noise level. However, although these can be very useful the world over, they can be a threat to the environment. This is because some systems let out harmful gases through the heating or cooling process which affects the ozone layer.

Many use a refrigerant called R-22, which when emitted results in the depletion of the ozone layer. Now, everybody knows how important it is to preserve the ozone layer, because it is the one thing that prevents the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun from reaching life on earth. So in order to protect the ozone and life on earth, an international agreement has made it essential to do away with the harmful refrigerants used in air conditioners.

This measure will come into effect in 2010 when all air conditioner manufacturers will stop making units that use R-22. Instead, these air conditioning units will be replaced by eco-friendly units that use a non ozone depleting refrigerant. With this, we can all look forward to a cleaner and greener planet.

Most air conditioners around the world use a refrigerant known as R-22. The emission of R-22 is considered by some experts as a significant factor in depleting the ozone layer which protects our environment from harmful ultra violet rays.

Individuals can now get air conditioners and heat pump systems that use efficient and environmentally friendly refrigerants known as R-410A. When purchasing an air conditioner, a refrigerant is the most important thing that you should keep in mind.

R-410A is an environmentally friendly refrigerant. If ever your system leaks, escaping refrigerants will not harm the ozone layer. The reason R-410A will not harm the ozone layer is because HFCs (hydro fluorocarbons) are made of hydrogen, fluorine and carbon atoms. As HFCs do not have chlorine they do not interact with the ozone layer once they break down.

You should purchase an air conditioning system that has an R-410A refrigerant because in the coming years, systems that have R-22 refrigerants will be phased out. R-22 refrigerants will become more expensive in the near future.

Old refrigerants will be phased out along with the ozone depleting chemicals. Supply as well as demand of the chemical will be significantly affected by current and upcoming regulations. By selecting an air conditioner and heat pump which uses R- 410A you will avoid the risk associated with purchasing a product that is about to become obsolete. An air conditioner that uses R-410A is more efficient as well as reliable compared to an air conditioner that uses CFC and HCFC refrigerants.

You might have heard several stories as to what causes global warming as well its effects on us. Refrigerants used in air conditioners give out CFC gases which have the ability to deplete our ozone layer. This can ultimately lead to global warming.

Effect of CFCs:

Before knowing the effects of CFCs on the ozone layer, it is very important to understand what the ozone layer is. Ozone is one of the three forms of oxygen which can be found in the earth’s atmosphere. Ozone shields and protects us from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that are emitted from the sun. If due to any reason, the ozone layer breaks down, the harmful UV rays will reach the earth’s surface and come in direct contact with us. This will unfortunately increase incidences of eye cataracts and skin cancer.

Scientifically, any compound which contains chlorine ultimately leads to a decrease in ozone levels. It removes an oxygen atom from the ozone molecule and converts it into oxygen.

CFCs were initially used in refrigerators way back in the 1930s. At that time, people were not aware of the ill effects caused by CFCs. We now know that CFC gases rise from the Earth’s surface and reach the stratosphere. There the CFCs are bombarded with UV light. The chlorine atoms readily react with ozone molecules and in this process ozone gets converted to oxygen. Thus we are left with less protection and it further adds to global warming.

All over the world, the use of air conditioners has increased and for various reasons. Some places have warm, humid climates all year round and require these units to maintain a comfortable temperature. Other places may have hot weather only once a year but still require these cooling units in offices and buildings as they keep electrical units from overheating and breaking down. Whatever the reason may be, these units have become very important.

Although air conditioners are wonderful at the job they do, they can have a negative impact on the environment. Most air conditioners use R-22 in their systems but the components of this refrigerant contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer. Now, everyone knows how important a role the ozone plays in protecting life on earth. The ozone layer filters out the harmful rays of the sun and prevents them from reaching the earth.

In order to protect the ozone layer, air conditioner manufacturers are replacing R-22 in systems with the eco-friendly R-410A. There are a number of benefits that R-410A offers. This refrigerant will effectively cool rooms the way R-22 can but will not contribute to ozone depletion. There are other benefits - although this is by far the best. Systems which use this refrigerant will be extremely dependable and quiet. By 2020 R-410A systems will replace R-22 ones. These environmentally friendly air conditioners will effectively contribute to a cleaner and greener environment.

Air conditioners provide us with relief from humidity and unpleasant room temperature. They cool the room very effectively. You can see air conditioners commonly used for industrial and residential purposes these days. The basic parts of air conditioners include the condenser, thermostat and compressor. An evaporator coil is used to transfer water vapour from the air. An evaporative coil drains water vapour from the cooled space which helps to lower the humidity.

Refrigerants are used in air conditioners and play an important role in effectively cooling a room. These refrigerants are basically chemicals with different properties. Many people use air conditioners but are unaware of their impact on our environment. Fluorocarbons are refrigerants that are used in air conditioners. These refrigerants deplete the ozone layer and also cause global warming.

How do refrigerants impact on our environment?

HCFCs and CFCs are chlorine containing organic compounds. These refrigerants are used in air conditioner units and are released into the atmosphere. When these refrigerants are exposed to UV rays from sun, they release chlorine.

As chlorine is released it readily acts as a catalyst and destroys the ozone in the stratosphere in order to produce oxygen. This causes a reduction in the amount of ozone in the stratosphere.

As the ozone layer disappears, the harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun directly reach the earth’s surface which may cause skin cancer, eye cataracts and many other problems.