Creating a Better Environment
Creating a Better Environment
December 2013
Refrigerant R22 is used in number of refrigeration and air conditioning systems. R22 is the halocarbon compound named monochlorodifluoromethane with chemical formula CHClF2 and it is the hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC). R22 is one of the most popular refrigerants used in cooling systems, but unfortunately, the halocarbons (chlorine and fluorine) present in these compounds have the potential to cause depletion of the ozone layer in the atmosphere leading to greenhouse effect. The ozone layer destroying potential of R22, which is HCFC is much lesser than the other chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), still in the long-term they do have detrimental effects on the atmosphere.
The depletion of ozone layer from the upper layers of atmosphere results in ultraviolet rays of the sun to reach the surface of the earth. This leads to high temperature on the earth and the ultraviolet ray themselves are very harmful to the skin of human beings. To avoid the long-term dangers of the R22 and other CFCs, it has been decided to phase out the use and production
of R22 completely along with other CFC refrigerants.
R22 has not been legal for use in new AC equipment since 2004. In 2010, existing AC equipment became affected. A European Regulation (known as the ‘ODS Regulation’) imposed a ban in all EU Member States against the use of new (or “virgin”) R22 to maintain existing AC equipment. Since then only recycled R22 obtained from decommissioned AC equipment or reclaimed R22 can be used. Such recycled or reclaimed R22 is becoming increasingly scarce and expensive.
This will change in 2015. From then AC systems will not be able to be topped up with any R22, whether that be virgin, recycled or reclaimed.
Option 1: they are replaced by new AC equipment
Option 2: alternative modern refrigerant is used to top them up. This will normally involve having to replace parts of the current AC system.
Things to consider when choosing which is the better of these two options include:
Some manufacturers suggest that using modern refrigerant in converted AC systems can lead to poorer equipment performance and so higher energy costs. Any increase in energy costs is something property owners and occupiers will want to avoid given recent legislative developments, such as the introduction of the Carbon Reduction Commitmen Energy Efficiency Scheme and the passing of the Energy Act 2011. The Energy Act paves the way for new rules making it unlawful to let properties with low energy performance ratings without undertaking work to improve their energy performance.
The costs and practicalities involved may mean installing a new AC system will be the only viable option in many cases.
