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Its essential to keep up with the latest on what is being heavily regulated

Keep Abreast of Heating, AC Regulatory Changes

Jan. 5, 2015
Changes always seem to be occurring in the regulation of what can be used in heating and air conditioning; it is essential to keep up with the latest on what is being more heavily regulated.

Changes always seem to be occurring in the regulation of what can be used in heating and air conditioning; it is essential to keep up with the latest on what is being more heavily regulated.

Jack Zohner, a plumbing, heating and air conditioning professional, wrote on the Journal Star’s website that one notable change is the reduction of use of R22, also known as Freon. Building owners and managers may know this as a chemical used in the cooling process of air conditioning.

Scientists tend to agree R22 was rapidly destroying the ozone layer, so the EPA developed a plan to eliminate it over time. The EPA mandate increases again in 2015, to reduce the production of R22 to 90% below the U.S. baseline. By 2020 the EPA will stop allowing all production and importing of virgin R22. As production goes down, the prices should skyrocket.

The challenge for all of us: R22 has been the HVAC industry favorite refrigerant for over four decades. It’s everywhere, like central air systems, chest and upright freezers, dehumidifiers, window air conditioners, air-to-air heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, and lots of commercial cooling equipment.

Read more from Zohner on what may see more use and what other changes may be happening in regulation of the heating and air conditioning industry.