Air conditioners are widely used these days. They are the best solutions to overcoming a hot and humid climate, and they greatly help to maintain a cool environment in a particular room.

In order to cool the room, an air conditioner makes use of refrigerants. The refrigerants have an ability to absorb the heat from the room and convert it into cool air. These refrigerants are usually made up of chemical compounds that contain chlorine. Gases that are released from the air conditioner usually settle in the atmosphere. However, some of these gases are harmful to our environment and they can deplete the ozone layer.

R-22 is a refrigerant often used in refrigeration and air conditioning units. If these refrigerants are vented directly in the atmosphere, it can cause many threats to our environment. It is essential to phase out these refrigerants as soon as possible. If our ozone layer is depleted, harmful ultraviolet rays can directly enter our environment.

It is essential to replace R-22 with an alternative refrigerant which does not have any effects on our environment.

The effects of ozone depleting refrigerants are global and severe. The earth’s ozone layer is situated in the stratosphere, about 30 miles above the surface of the earth. It acts as a shield that protects us from the ultraviolet rays which are given out by the sun. The ozone has slowly been depleted due to hazardous elements like CFCs and HCFCs being released into the air.

In the mid-1980s it was found that the damage caused to the ozone layer was indeed grave, and measures had to be taken to stop further depletion. The place that was most affected by the depletion of the ozone layer was the continent of Antarctica. Scientists discovered that there was a gaping hole in the ozone directly above Antarctica. The hole in the ozone layer caused major concerns as it threatened to melt the ice cap.

The continuous depletion of the ozone layer could cause a lot of problems for life on earth. Depletion in the ozone layer could also greatly affect the oceans. The radiation caused by the ultraviolet rays could harm microorganisms like plankton, which in turn could cause a chain reaction and affect vegetation and plant cycles, causing terrible damage to ecosystems.

The depletion of the ozone layer is the most important reason behind the stringent regulations on the use and manufacture of refrigerants. Most of us are aware of the crucial role played by the ozone layer in absorbing the harmful ultraviolet radiation of the sun. Ultraviolet radiation is known to cause several skin diseases such as skin cancer.

The Montreal Protocol was approved in 1987. It was intended to regulate the use and production of chemicals that contribute in the depletion of the ozone layer.

The main refrigerant types used in most cooling systems are hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Most refrigerants that are used in refrigeration and air conditioning equipment contain one or more atoms of chlorine. When liberated in the upper layers of the earth’s atmosphere, chlorine atoms combine with ozone atoms to form oxygen atoms. This removes the protective ozone from the stratosphere.

Some refrigerants have a particularly long atmospheric life period that can have an undesirable effect on the ozone layer. To reduce the dangers caused by refrigerants and eliminate their use, they are compared by their ozone depletion potential (ODP). Each refrigerant’s ODP is calculated by comparing it to the ODP value of CFC-11, which serves as the baseline value in determining the ozone depletion potential.

The primary aim of the Montreal Protocol was to stop the production of such harmful refrigerants and gradually phase out their use. Additionally, the aim was to introduce more environmental friendly refrigerants that did not have any undesired effects on the environment.

Global warming and temperature increase is one of the most discussed topics worldwide. There are very few people that are unaware of global warming and its effects on our environment and life. There are several factors that are responsible for global warming. Harmful gases from chemical factories and industries are emitted directly into our environment.

Many gases consist of chemical compounds which are made up of chlorine. Chlorine has the ability to readily react with the ozone that is present in the environment. If chlorine reacts with ozone, it undergoes chemical changes and ozone is transformed into oxygen. This results in a depletion of the ozone layer, which effectively removes the filter from our atmosphere. To some extent, air conditioners are responsible for global warming.

Air conditioners are used by many people for their comfort. However, few people are aware that the refrigerants that are used in air conditioners are responsible for global warming and that they can have severe effects upon us and our surrounding. Refrigerants are chemical compounds which have an ability to absorb heat from their surroundings, converting the hot air into cool air.

R-22 is one of the refrigerants present in most air conditioners. Refrigerants consist of CFCs (chlorofluorocarbon) and, HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons). As these refrigerants cause damage to our environment, it is important to replace them with sources that do not harm our environment.

Halogenated hydrocarbons that contain chlorine as one of their atoms have been used extensively in cooling systems as refrigerants. These refrigerants such as Chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs have an adverse effect on the ozone layer, causing its depletion and the greenhouse effect.

The ozone layer is a protective layer in the earth’s stratosphere that blocks the harmful ultraviolet radiations of the sun from reaching the earth’s surface. When released into the atmosphere, the chlorine atoms in the halogenated hydrocarbons slowly move upwards and react with the ozone atoms, converting them into oxygen. Unlike ozone, oxygen does not have the capacity to block ultraviolet radiation. Ultraviolet radiation is known to be harmful to all living organisms on earth and it can cause severe skin diseases.

Some of the refrigerants that cause depletion in the ozone layer and greenhouse effect are:

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)

Not all hydrogen atoms are removed from these hydrogenated hydrocarbons. HCFCs contain less chlorine atoms than CFCs and have a lesser overall life period in the atmosphere. This makes them less harmful to the atmosphere than CFCs. The most widely used HCFC refrigerant is R-22 (CCL2F2).

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Chlorofluorocarbons are halogenated carbons that contain at least 1 atom of chlorine atom in their compound. They cause the most harm to the ozone layer and are the leading cause of global warming. Some CFCs have a life period of more than 100 years in the atmosphere. Some dangerous CFCs are R-11, R-12 and R-113.

There has been a change in the choice of refrigerants that are being used to run air conditioning systems. Although these units provide us with a great way to alter room temperatures to suit our needs, they have caused irreparable damage to the ozone layer. The ozone layer, which protects the earth from the harmful rays of the sun, was gradually depleting at 3 % per decade when CFCs were being used in air conditioners.

CFCs are compounds made up of chlorine, fluorine and carbon molecules. When released into the air, chlorine causes the ozone layer to disintegrate. This erosion formed a hole in the ozone layer. Fortunately, as soon as the flaw was discovered, laws were passed and amendments were made in the composition of air conditioner refrigerants to lessen this impact.

The changes in refrigerant composition were proposed by the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty which was signed by many countries in 1987. The treaty stated that the use of CFCs were to be immediately banned so that the ozone layer could be protected. The phasing out of CFCs began soon after. Air conditioners are now using the replacement refrigerant for CFCs called HCFCs.

HCFCs are composed of hydrogen, chlorine, fluorine and carbon atoms. Although this refrigerant replaced CFCs, they too have an ozone depleting potential, albeit a lesser one. The revelation of this factor has led to more research in non-ozone depleting refrigerants which will replace HCFCs in the future.

Unbearable temperatures have compelled millions of people all over the world to use air conditioners. These units provide people with wonderful and comfortable temperatures to live and work in. They are also recommended for people with breathing problems as they are capable of providing good clean, fresh quality air. However, there is a downfall to using air conditioners.

Air conditioners use a refrigerant that helps in the cooling process. Although the refrigerant is important to help the unit function, it can lead to the depletion of the ozone layer. Most air conditioners use R-22 in their systems. This refrigerant is actually an HCFC, which is considered by environmentalists as a harmful substance as it contributes to ozone depletion.

To stop the damage being done to the ozone layer, many countries are doing away with R-22 systems and replacing them with systems that use an eco-friendly refrigerant. A replacement refrigerant has however been found and called R-410A. This refrigerant is an HFC and has been recommended for all new air conditioners. The reason why HFCs have replaced HCFCs is because they do not contain bromine or chlorine and this makes their ozone depletion potential zero.

As this refrigerant cannot damage the ozone layer, many air conditioner manufacturers have developed systems that run on R-410A. These systems ensure that the environment is protected and people can live comfortable lives. It has also been discovered that R-410A systems are more energy efficient than R-22 systems.

Air conditioners keep the room temperature under control and help you to enjoy a pleasant atmosphere at home during warm summers. Air conditioners also provide good air circulation within the room. This keeps the indoor environment healthy and refreshed.

Correct maintenance of the air conditioning unit is a must for efficient working and longer life of the air conditioning unit. Along with good maintenance of the air conditioning unit, the most important thing is choosing the type of air filter that you are using with your air conditioner.

Economy air filters are not efficient enough to stop the dust and dirt from entering the air conditioning unit and your home. If the dirty and polluted air is not filtered properly it might have a negative effect on the health of your family members and damage the inside machinery of the air conditioning unit.

Therefore it is advised that you increase the durability of your air conditioner unit by fitting it with an efficient type filter which is of superior quality and effectively prevents dust particles from entering your home and machine.

Installing a good quality filter does not however end your responsibility. You must clean them at regular intervals and change the filter every few months.

Air conditioners work hard to provide you with a comfortable working environment. In order to enjoy the benefits of an air conditioner system it is essential that you make sure that the air conditioner is maintained properly throughout the year. At home it is possible for people to actively maintain their air conditioners but often they are neglected due to lack of time or thought.

Therefore it is better to opt for a year long maintenance service contract. This ensures that your air conditioner gets correct maintenance service throughout the year which increases the efficiency of the air conditioner and also increases its life span. By signing the year long maintenance contract you do not have worry about your air conditioner as appropriate care of the machine is taken by the service providers.

For offices and commercial places which have an air conditioning system, such a contract is a must as there is no one who can take care of the air conditioners in such places. A long term maintenance contract is also essential as such places cannot afford to have a malfunctioning air conditioner which could mean shutting down the office which can lead to a loss of time and money.

Although you may need to spend some money for adequate maintenance of your air conditioner it is easily recovered as your air conditioner will then function efficiently and smoothly and you will have lower electricity bills.

Over the last few years, a number of places have been experiencing changes in temperatures like never before. Some people attribute this to global warming. A number of factors are behind the cause of global warming but one of the most prominent ones seems to be the emissions of hazardous chemicals in the atmosphere.

Though not many are aware of it, to a certain extent, air conditioners are responsible for this as they emit fluorocarbon refrigerants into the atmosphere. These refrigerants are also greatly responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer which protects the earth. This is due to the components of the refrigerant. Air conditioner refrigerants contain CFCs and HCFCs which can be harmful to the ozone layer.

• CFCs are the most harmful of all refrigerants as they contain fluorocarbon molecules which are by themselves harmful to the ozone. To add to this, CFCs do not have hydrogen molecules which make them stable in the atmosphere and do not break down till they reach the stratosphere making them potentially high ozone depleting substances.

• HCFCs are also refrigerants that contain fluorocarbons but these have hydrogen molecules making them easy to breakdown in the atmosphere. Nevertheless, they are still potentially ozone depleting substances, although not very dangerous.

The depletion of the ozone layer will result in the vulnerability of the earth to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. For this purpose, the use of these refrigerants is being slowly phased out and will eventually be replaced by a non ozone depleting refrigerant.