THE EPA'S PHASE OUT OF R22
CFCs, or chlorofluorocarbons, are linked to destruction of the ozone layer[1]. This destruction of the ozone layer allows more ultraviolet rays to reach the Earth, and as a result, can lead to health problems, such as skin cancer and cataract. These chemicals found in the coils are leaked from ACs and are appropriately called “ozone-depleters”. More recently, R22 refrigerant has been on the decline, it is a CFC. EPA mandates the complete elimination of R22 from cooling systems by the year 2020.
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REFRIGERANT ALTERNATIVES
A new type of refrigerant, called R410, which contains chlorine-free chemicals and has a zero ODP, or ozone depleting potential, still has the same greenhouse impact as running your car for six months, or 2 tons of carbon dioxide. [1] The chlorine free chemical actually has a higher global warming potential than R22 at 2,090. R410 should still be helpful to develop higher efficiency air conditioners. MO99 (R438A) and R-407C are also common R22 replacements, which provide similar cooling and efficiency. A next-generation of refrigerants includes R32, which is a hydrofluorocarbon like R410, but has a GWP, or global warming potential, of 675, GWP is a measure of how much energy the emissions of 1 ton of a gas will absorb over a given period of time, relative to the emissions of 1 ton of carbon dioxide, or CO2[3]. R32 would be a 32% decrease from the global warming potential of R410. This could potentially reduce CO2 emissions by 46,000 tons a year. [4]
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REMOVING REFRIGERANTS
The Department of Energy is currently evaluating non-vapor compression systems for air conditioners. This means developing a technology that removes the need for refrigerants all together. Currently, the highest-priority focus for research and development is in thermoelastic systems. These thermoelastic systems reject heat from its surroundings, and it would be applicable to all climate region types. It also displays the highest energy-saving potential out of all of the alternatives tested. This alternative is much more viable, especially considering the global warming potential of conventional systems using refrigerants. [6]
Click the button to the right to get advice on when to replace mechanical systems.
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Sources:
[1]"Refrigeration and Air Conditioning-Consumers." [Online]. Nov. 2016. Environment.gov.au. Website: https://www.environment.gov.au/protection/ozone/ra c/consumers
[2]"Refrigerants Environmental Data. Ozone Depletion and Global Warming Potential." [Online]. Nov. 2016. The Linde Group. Website: http://www.linde-gas.com/internet.global.lindegas.global/en/images/Refrigerants%20environmental%20GWPs17_111483.pdf
[3]"Understanding Global Warming Potentials." [Online] Dec. 2016. EPA. Environmental Protection Agency. Website: https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/understanding-global-warming-potentials
[4] "World’s First Adoption of R32, a Refrigerant With Low Global Warming Potential." [Online] Dec. 2016. Daikin 2013Website: http://www.daikin.com/csr/report/2013/p15_18_feature1.pdf
[5] "R22 Phograph". [Online] Dec. 2106. Horizon Services. Website: http://www.horizonservicesinc.com/blog-posts/air-conditioning-services-2/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-refrigerant-phase
[1]"Refrigeration and Air Conditioning-Consumers." [Online]. Nov. 2016. Environment.gov.au. Website: https://www.environment.gov.au/protection/ozone/ra c/consumers
[2]"Refrigerants Environmental Data. Ozone Depletion and Global Warming Potential." [Online]. Nov. 2016. The Linde Group. Website: http://www.linde-gas.com/internet.global.lindegas.global/en/images/Refrigerants%20environmental%20GWPs17_111483.pdf
[3]"Understanding Global Warming Potentials." [Online] Dec. 2016. EPA. Environmental Protection Agency. Website: https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/understanding-global-warming-potentials
[4] "World’s First Adoption of R32, a Refrigerant With Low Global Warming Potential." [Online] Dec. 2016. Daikin 2013Website: http://www.daikin.com/csr/report/2013/p15_18_feature1.pdf
[5] "R22 Phograph". [Online] Dec. 2106. Horizon Services. Website: http://www.horizonservicesinc.com/blog-posts/air-conditioning-services-2/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-refrigerant-phase