PHASING OUT HCFC REFRIGERANTS 

In an effort to protect and improve the nation’s air quality and the stratospheric ozone layer, the EPA enacted Title VI of the Clean Air Act, which stipulates HCFC’s (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) including R-22, are to be phased-out of use, including production and importation.

A BRIEF RECAP OF PHASE OUT DETAILS:

On October 17, 2014, the EPA released its Final HCFC Allocation Rule governing allowable levels of virgin HCFC-22 for domestic consumption for the remaining five years (2015 – 2019) of the planned phase-out. R-22 allowance levels decrease significantly during the remainder of this phase-out, including a 57% reduction from 2014 to 2015. Furthermore, this reduction has dramatically raised the costs of the ever-shrinking R-22 supply; in fact, the price of R-22 in the US market has increased by more than 500% since 2003. This trend is expected to continue as demand for limited supply increases over time.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS:

As the United States phases out refrigerant R-22, you will need to make informed decisions when choosing to service, repair, or replace an existing air-conditioning unit or when purchasing new HVAC equipment. If your building’s HVAC system(s) use R-22 refrigerant, then you need to start planning to reduce your dependence on R-22 and its service blends, such as 401A, 401B, 402A, 402B, 408A and 409A. Your plan should include R-22 reclamation and retrofits to environmentally friendly alternatives.

D.P. Wolff Inc., will work with you to ensure your HVAC equipment is in regulatory compliance at each stage of the refrigerant conversion/phase out by:

• Identifying systems that use R-22, noting age and rating their condition.
• Analyzing your annual R-22 usage and maintenance costs.
• Recommending how to best minimize your R-22 needs and customize a replacement budget to help you plan for equipment replacement.

Depending on your objectives and the condition of your equipment, retrofits and replacement refrigerants may be a viable option. Contact D.P. Wolff today to discuss options based on your building’s HVAC equipment.

WHAT FACILITY MANAGERS & BUILDING OWNERS CAN DO NOW:

If you’re located within our service area, let D.P. Wolff take a look at your commercial HVAC system. You’ll learn the best way to be in regulatory compliance while increasing the return on your building investment.

Our areas of service include: New York City, Westchester County, Rockland County, Orange County, Dutchess County, Putnam County.

Now servicing new customers located in Fairfield County and Litchfield County, Connecticut!

The information above is derived from the Environmental Protection Agency Website. Please visit their site for additional resources.