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Trane’s new breed of
air conditioning systems are even more friendly to the
environment. That’s good news for you, whether you own one or
not.
BACKGROUND.
In 1987, the Montreal Protocol, an international environmental
agreement, established requirements that began the worldwide
phase-out of ozone-depleting CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons.) This
Protocol is carried out in the United States as part of the
Clean Air Act, which is implemented by the EPA.
A TALE OF TWO REFRIGERANTS.
A chemical compound known as R-22 has been the refrigerant of
choice for residential heat pump and air conditioning systems
for more than four decades. Unfortunately for the environment,
releases of R-22 that result from system leaks contribute to
ozone depletion. The air conditioning industry, therefore, has
sought a suitable replacement. The replacement refrigerant of
choice is R-410A. Unlike R-22, R-410A contains no chlorine in
its chemical make-up. R-410A meets the stringent mandates of
both the Montreal Protocol and the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency.
IS R-22 OBSOLETE?
Nearly all residential air conditioning systems in use utilize
R-22 refrigerant. Should consumers be concerned? The truth, as
stated by the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI)
is as follows:
“Refrigerant 22 is regulated by
international controls under the Montreal Protocol and in
the United States by the Environmental Protection Agency. It
has a long life ahead of it as it is scheduled to be in
production until the year 2020. It is used in approximately
95% of the equipment produced in the United States today.”
The EPA has stated that even after the year
2020, use of existing refrigerant will be allowed to service
existing systems. In short, we believe that there is no need
for concern, and that R-22 prices will stay stable for in the near future.
WHAT CONSUMERS SHOULD DO.
You, as a responsible consumer, are no
doubt interested in preserving the environment. What can you
do? According to an EPA bulletin:
“One important thing a homeowner can
do for the environment, regardless of the refrigerant used,
is to select a reputable dealer that employs service technicians who are EPA certified to handle refrigerants.”
The EPA goes on to say:
“Another important thing a homeowner
can do for the environment is to purchase a highly energy-
efficient system.”
 The
Trane Company has long been known for building efficient and
reliable equipment. At Conditioned Air, we can show you the
efficiency and energy cost savings you can enjoy by upgrading
to a Trane system.
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Trane’s Earth-Wise™ Comfort
System air conditioners utilize R-410A refrigerant.
They’re the next generation of environmentally friendly -
and highly efficient - equipment. |
TIMES CHANGE.
Yes, times are changing. In time, most
new air conditioning systems will utilize R-410A refrigerant.
But R-22 systems continue to be effective, efficient and
dependable.
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