What ozone safe refrigerant means for building owners

Due to its harmful effects on the environment, R-22 is being phased out under the EPA’s Clean Air Act in favor of more environmentally friendly alternatives.

And, 2020 is the year designated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for when no new R-22 will be produced or imported. As that date nears, here at MacDonald-Miller we’re making great efforts to educate clients about this phase-out. As this policy will impact their business, we’re aware how crucial it is to provide clients with options and information needed to meet or beat the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) deadline.

The EPA began phasing out R-22 in the early 2000s, so availability has now been significantly reduced as reflected in the chart below. Annual demand now exceeds allowable production limits by a wide margin and the cost of R-22 has risen dramatically.

While R-22 will not be banned from use, the cost and availability will make the decision to replace equipment or change refrigerant a critical one. Planning is key, and understanding your options is the first step.

MacMiller can help assess your equipment and provide guidance on the most efficient choice. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so knowing the life cycle of your systems and developing a strategy to avoid common pitfalls that could lead to future problems is paramount to good decision-making. Keep in mind that neither energy savings, nor capacity, nor operating improvement is a valid basis for retrofitting R-22.

What should you do next? Contact us for more information!

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Categories: General

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