R 22 Refrigerant Gas Phase-Out Will Increase Gas Procurement Costs

The government is phasing out the use of Refrigerant 22; commonly known as R-22, even though it is widely used in a number of applications. As the phase out continues, facilities with equipment that use the chemical are rushing to comply with the requirements of the law.

R 22 refrigerant gas is suspected as being one of the main contributors to global warming and the depletion of the ozone layer. The Montreal protocol initiated a phase out of certain banned substances, to rid the world of hydrochlorofluorocarbons and chlorofluorocarbons, which are found in a variety of refrigeration and cooling systems. A number of countries are following the leads established.

Found in commercial refrigeration units, air conditioning systems and HVAC systems, R 22 refrigerant gas is a known hydrochlorofluorocarbons. As such, it may be found in operation throughout a number of industries, including hotels and restaurants, office buildings, hospitals, retail supermarkets, food processing warehouses and manufacturers.

R 22 causes damage to the environment when it is released, for example during a leak. The EPA now requires companies and municipalities to track usage and submit regular reports to better manage the use of this gas. As this can be a very time-consuming process, companies are turning to software that will automatically track and issue reports to comply with the regulations. Companies are wary of a penalty fee structure waiting for those who fail to comply.

Eco-friendly refrigerants have been developed to serve as alternatives to R 22, which will longer be manufactured or used in new cooling and refrigeration equipment. Although companies with equipment which still uses the refrigerant are not required to purchase new, they will be required to follow strict guidelines when it comes to routine maintenance and repairs.

Up until January 1, 2020, chemical manufacturers can continue to produce R 22 refrigerant gas for existing systems. After that date, the substance can no longer be made and only refrigerant that has been recovered and recycled can be used in existing plants.

The history of R 22 as a greenhouse gas goes back over 40 years. Some natural greenhouse gases stabilize the Earth's temperature but man-made chemicals such as hydrochlorofluorocarbons and chlorofluorocarbons can actually increase global average temperatures. Should no action be taken the makeup of the planet would change and cause major devastation.

There are alternatives to R 22 refrigerant gas, which have been tested and found to cause no harm to the environment. These include R-410A, R404A and R407c. Some of these blends are already in use in new refrigeration and air conditioning systems and are found to be much more energy efficient. EPA requirements specify approved alternatives and should be researched by facility managers.

Verisae specializes in refrigerant tracking and carbon emissions reporting. We can assist organizations across multiple locations and down to the asset level comply with the restrictions placed on R22 refrigerant gas. Visit www.Refrigerant-Tracker.com to research our refrigerant management solutions.