Classed as a greenhouse gas, a ban on the use of R22 refrigerants will soon come into force. Is your business ready?

Background to the ban
In the continuing bid to beat global warming, new legislation is enforcing the removal and replacement of R22 refrigerants which have been shown to have a detrimental effect on the ozone layer. The EC Ozone Regulation provides the legislative framework for EU member states to meet their obligations to halt damage to the ozone layer. A programme to phase out ozone-depleting substances began in the 1990s with a ban on the most harmful CFCs, such as R12. This was followed by a ban on new equipment using ‘transitional’ CFCs, which includes R22, in 2001 (2004 for smaller air conditioning systems).

The next deadline
Up until the end of 2009 it was still legal to use virgin R22 to service and maintain existing RAC equipment. However, from 1 January 2010, this became illegal, even if the refrigerant was purchased before the ban came into force. From 1 January 2015, the legislation will be extended to include the use of recycled or reclaimed R22 for servicing.

Replace or repair
The majority of those affected by the legislation have taken the opportunity to comply with the new regulations before compliance becomes mandatory. New RAC installations will only use refrigerants with zero Ozone Depleting Potential, like R410a. Also, many companies have been choosing to replace their existing R22 systems with units using environmentally-friendly refrigerants rather than incur the cost of servicing and repairs.

Phase-out plan
With time running out, companies are advised to formulate a phase-out strategy now, starting with the identification of all their units which use HCFC refrigerants. The decision to replace, convert or leave as-is can then be made based on criteria such as system type, age, condition, and, last but not least, energy efficiency. Replacing systems with equipment that uses an eco-friendly refrigerant, like R410a, may well be the most cost-effective option for some old, inefficient systems. In addition to complying with current – and forecast – legislation, the cost of replacing will bring savings in operational electricity costs through improved energy efficiency.

R410a is classed as an A1 refrigerant, which means that it is non-flammable and non-toxic.

R410a is more energy efficient, offering a 35% greater heat transfer rate than R22.

R410a has a decreased compressor displacement of 30%.

By selecting a system that uses R410a, you avoid the risk that R22 could become expensive or difficult to get as a result of the phase-out when your old system needs to be repaired in a few years time.

Just like many new cars, R410a systems use a highly soluble, synthetic lubricant that helps to ensure smooth operation, reduce wear and tear on the compressor and other moving parts, and so extend their life.

R410a systems can be more reliable than R22 systems because they utilise the most current technology available for more efficient and quieter operation, with less damaging vibration. R410a can also absorb and release heat more efficiently than R22 ever could, so compressors with R410a run cooler, with less risk of burn out.

Theory of Ozone Depletion
Ozone is a type of molecule that is made of three connected oxygen atoms, which is written in scientific terms as O₃. It is mostly found in the stratosphere, and absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation that would otherwise find its way down to us and cause a variety of hazards for humans, animals and plants. Stratospheric ozone is different from ground-level ozone, which contributes to smog in our cities. Ozone is constantly being made in our atmosphere, mostly by collisions of oxygen molecules (O₂) and oxygen atoms (O). It is also continually being destroyed by similar collisions between O₃ molecules and O atoms, resulting in pairs of O₂ molecules. In theory, then, there should be a balance between ozone creation and destruction, resulting in a constant layer of ozone.

How can CFCs and HCFCs affect the ozone layer?
CFC molecules are made of chlorine, fluorine and carbon, and HCFC molecules also have hydrogen atoms attached. When these molecules are emitted to the atmosphere they are eventually broken down into their individual atoms. The chlorine atoms then react with the ozone and cause ozone destruction to happen faster than ozone creation.

Why do we need to stop ozone depletion?
Because stratospheric ozone protects us from harmful ultraviolet rays, ozone depletion is a major concern for life on earth. The damaging effects of depletion include an increase in skin cancers and cataracts, and even a reduction in food crop yields.

How can using R410a refrigerant help?
R410a is not a CFC or HCFC, it is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC). Because it does not contain chlorine it won’t interact with the ozone layer when it breaks down.

Mitsubishi first
Mitsubishi MHI was the first manufacturer to produce air conditioning systems specifically to use R410a refrigerant in 2004. Mitsubishi MHI still has a world lead in producing split system air conditioners running on R410a refrigerant.