Part of being a responsible property owner means doing what you can to help protect the environment. The EPA has been taking action against certain refrigerants in an effort to reduce ozone layer damage. Starting January 1st of 2020, there is a ban in place against the remaining production and import of HCFC-22 (R-22) and HCFC-142b. Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning is here to break down what that means for you.
HCFCs stands for hydrochlorofluorocarbons, which are chemicals typically used as refrigerants, most often found in air conditioning units. Most appliances manufactured before 2010 have a risk of containing them. When emitted into the environment, HCFCs damage the ozone layer, which helps to shield us from the sun’s UV radiation.
These chemicals will no longer be produced, and will only be available in limited supply of recycled and reclaimed amounts. In lieu of this phase-out, you need to make choices as a consumer that are conscious of environmental consequences and choose units without HCFCs.
For those that currently have units that incorporate these two chemicals, having them serviced may be increasingly expensive and difficult. You also should make sure that whenever you need to have it serviced, the technician you hire is a professional that is EPA-certified and knows what they are doing. They will try their best to help you in the meantime, but it may be time to make the move to a more environmentally-friendly cooling method.
From here on out, make decisions for your HVAC systems that do not harm the environment and that can prevent the hole in the ozone layer from getting any bigger. Something to keep in mind when you are in the market for new appliances is that you can check how energy-efficient they are based off their seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER).
When the time comes that you do replace your AC unit, there will be additional benefits to you as a property owner besides being eco-friendly. A new cooling system should work much more efficiently within your home or business, and will lead to lower energy bills from not needing to be run as frequently.
Get in touch with the Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning team for air conditioning replacement or to learn other ways that you can ensure your property is not harming the environment. There are many little things that can be done that make a huge difference for the atmosphere, so remember to be mindful of your imprint and impact.
For any questions about how this ban affects you as a home or business owner, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experts at Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning!
Ready for top-notch Brooklyn plumbing, heating, cooling, and drain cleaning? Look no further! Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning is your trusted HVAC contractor and plumber in Brooklyn for all your home service needs. Take the first step towards a comfortable and efficient home – stop your search for “plumber near me”, fill out the form below, and let’s get started on your service request today! Your satisfaction is our priority.