{"id":697,"date":"2016-04-18T21:47:59","date_gmt":"2016-04-18T21:47:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.heuch.com.au\/staging\/?p=697"},"modified":"2024-04-28T22:28:27","modified_gmt":"2024-04-29T08:28:27","slug":"planning-for-r22-refrigerant-phase-out","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.heuch.com.au\/staging\/planning-for-r22-refrigerant-phase-out\/","title":{"rendered":"Planning for R22 Refrigerant Phase Out"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What is it R22?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

R22 is a commonly used, manufactured fluorocarbon compound designed for use as the working fluid in refrigeration systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s happening with R22?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In accordance with Australia\u2019s obligation to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer HCFCs, including the commonly used HCFC 22 better known as R22 are being phased out. R22 can be found operating across a range of HVAC equipment manufactured before 2005.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is it happening?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The main purpose of the Montreal Protocol is to further sharply restrict the use of substances that harm the earth\u2019s protective ozone layer and contribute to climate change. Unfortunately, most gases historically used in HVAC and refrigeration have an extremely high Global Warming Potential (GWP). By cutting the production and import of these chemicals and limiting how they can be used, the ozone layer will heal faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They also provide significant climate benefits. Over the period from 2010 to 2014, the protocol will provide about the same climate benefit as eliminating the annual CO2 emissions from the electricity use of more than 102 million homes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does this effect me?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In 2016, imports of R22 are set to just 4% of pre-phase out levels and will remain so until 2030, when NO imports of R22 will be allowed. From 2013 to 2016 alone, the commercial price of R22 went from approximately $150 to $250 per kilo. The price of R22 will continue to rise as the market forces of supply and demand act on a commodity that is becoming more and more scarce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s to be done?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The phase out is in full swing and those affected must start planning now, if not already done. Experience in Europe has shown that when organisations address R22 phase-out early and proactively, they benefit in the long term. A plan should be developed to look at alternatives to R22 and assess the priorities in terms of costs, benefits and service continuity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For existing air conditioning and refrigeration systems using refrigerant R22 there are four main options that can be considered:<\/p>\n\n\n\n