The Challenge: Moving Away From HCFC Refrigerants

The Challenges: CFC production ended Dec. 31/95 CFC use phase-out and disposal HCFCs (R22) next for phase-out By 2010, 65% of supply eliminated and no new R22 units (R123 units continued to be produced)

The Challenges: 99.5% eliminated by % of AC and 50% CR use HCFCs Potential for serious service and maintenance challenges

The Industry Challenge Orderly transition from HCFCs to alternatives HCFC effect in equipment plans HVACR equipment lifetime - 10 to 30 years Awareness by contractors and customers key to good equipment planning

HCFC Phase-out Schedule January 1, 1996baseline annual allowable amount of HCFCs based on Protocol terms January 1, 2004annual allowable amount of HCFCs reduced by 35% January 1, 2010annual allowable amount of HCFCs reduced by 65%

HCFC Phase-out Schedule January 1, 2010no new R-22 equipment manufactured or imported (R123 equipment still available) January 1, 2015annual allowable amount of HCFCs reduced by 90% January 1, 2020annual allowable amount of HCFCs reduced by 99.5% (HCFC-123 available until 2030 for chiller service); no new HCFC equipment (R123) manufactured or imported

Where HCFCs Are Used HCFC-22 - residential and commercial a/c & heat pumps, chillers, commercial refrigeration (supermarkets, food storage, beverage coolers) HCFC Blends - commercial refrigeration (supermarkets, food storage & processing, beverage large coolers, ice machines, ice rinks) HCFC chillers

What Does This Mean for Contractors? Major supply impact over the years to 2010 Phase-out more critical to equipment planning as decade progresses Key - planned approach for replacement and retrofit Owners must be made aware of HCFC issues (life cycle of equipment and phase-out implications)

What Does This Mean for Equipment owners? Servicing and maintaining existing HCFC equip. Servicing and maintaining existing HCFC equip. Declining availability of HCFCs (R-22) Declining availability of HCFCs (R-22) Life cycle for new equipment (i.e., ROI) Life cycle for new equipment (i.e., ROI) Determining remaining life of old equipment Determining remaining life of old equipment Understanding alternative equipment and refrigerant options Understanding alternative equipment and refrigerant options

What Should Contractors Do? Understand HCFC phase-out and alternatives Educate technicians and sales staff Communicate the right story to customers when planning for RAC equipment Refer customers to additional sources of info

What Should Wholesalers Do? Educate counter and sales staff on HCFC phase- out and alternatives Keep up-to-date on new alternatives Verbally communicate current HCFC information at counter and through sales staff to contractor customers Have brochures and posters available at counter

What Should Equipment Owners Do? Awareness of HCFC phase-out impact on equipment planning Assistance from contractor/equipment specifier Review stock of RAC equipment and discuss long and short term plans with contractor/equipment specifier Consult additional info sources

HCFC Alternatives What Are the Options? Residential & commercial a/c - HFC blends Chillers - HCFC-123 (2030), HFCs, HFC blends and ammonia Commercial & industrial refrigeration -HFCs, HFC blends and ammonia

HCFC Alternatives: What Are the Options? Hydrocarbons refrigerants for refrigeration and air conditioning require safety rating and approval (large volumes) hydrocarbons rates as flammable and restricted to small volumes (less than 300 grams) CSA B52 does not allow use of hydrocarbons in RAC equipment (awareness for HCFC alternatives)

More Information? HCFC web site - Links to other resources including HRAI refrigerant manufacturers/distributors, Environment Canada, ASHRAE, etc. Environment Canada web site: HRAI HCFC Awareness Brochures and Posters HCFC AWARENESS = GOOD BUSINESS SENSE