R22 Refrigerant Price



Complying with the HCFC Phase Out

The HCFC phase out will eventually aid in the elimination of the production and use of R22 refrigerant gas, which is a source of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs. The Montreal Protocol and the US Clean Air Act identifies facilities in developed countries which will be affected by the government legislation.

A schedule has been developed for entities that use commercial refrigeration, air-conditioning systems, industrial process refrigeration appliances, or heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems containing certain types of refrigerant gases.

Under the HCFC phase out, nations around the world are required to meet certain benchmarks towards total eradication of hydrochlorofluorocarbons within a certain time schedule. To give ample time to produce safer substitutes for HCFCs, the phase started in 2003 and shall end in 2030.

In the United States, the HCFC phase out has stepped up its pace, with a major focus on HCFC-141b, HCFC-142b and HCFC-22, which are the most harmful hydrochlorofluorocarbons of them all. However, all other types of HCFCs will follow the reduction schedule set forth under the worldwide protocols. All phase out efforts, while effective at reducing harmful ozone depleting substances, will continue to garner further focus related to greenhouse gas management, tracking, and reporting under The Kyoto Protocols and a host of pending carbon emissions regulations within the United States and internationally.

Currently in the United States, there is no more production or importing of HCC-141b under the HCFC phase out. All importation and production of refrigerants HCFC-22 and HCFC-142b shall end by 2010. Exceptions will be made for equipment in use, as long as it was manufactured prior to January 1, 2010.

There will be no more importing or production of any HCFCs beginning in 2015 as mandated under the HCFC phaseout. Equipment which are manufactured before January 1, 2020 are exempted. In 2020, production and importing of HCFC-142b and HCFC-22 will end.

Under this schedule, the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons will be nonexistent in new refrigeration and cooling equipment, with only small amounts in use in existing equipment. The consequences of these tighter restrictions will be market-driven increase in refrigerant gas pricing and strategically important need for organizations to manage a controlled inventory of refrigerant gases.

The goal of the HCFC phase out is to improve the environment by ridding it of harmful hydrochlorofluorocarbons that are mainly responsible for damaging the ozone layer. The high global warming potentials of these harmful chemicals will eventually cause global climate change. This as we all are beginning to become aware of will cause extensive damage to humans, animals, plant life, and marine life worldwide.

The HCFC phase out affects a great number of businesses, especially those with central air conditioning in their offices or facilities. R-22 is an HCFC refrigerant gas used by HVAC-R equipment, part of the government's HCFC phaseout program. That means a great many industries, from hotels and restaurants, to hospitals and food processors, and even offices and retail stores, will be impacted by this regulation.

As part of the HCFC phase out, facilities using equipment that contains hydrochlorofluorocarbons are required to keep detailed and up-to-date maintenance records on the equipment. All refrigerant leaks need to be addressed in not more than 30 days.

Reporting requirements for all locations of a business are necessary in order to track the use of refrigerants, as well as any leaks, throughout the entire system. Failure to track usage and inventory of refrigerant gases could result in substantial fines issued by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Sustainability Resource Planning (SRP) offers solutions for carbon emissions & refrigerant gas tracking, energy efficiency, sustainable asset management, and water conservation. Increased regulations to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) will cause significant challenges and will impact business operations, brand management, fiscal accountability, and risk mitigation strategies. Learn more at http://www.verisae.com/articles

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