R-22 Allocation

What you should know and what you can do:

• U.S. EPA limits the amount of newly produced R-22 available
• In 2010, the HCFC allocation controlling the supply of R-22 will be reduced by at least 46%
• Demand for R-22 refrigerant is at historically high levels

Demand

Today’s demand for R-22 is higher than what was expected in1998 when the phase out of R-22 started. While a number of non-ozone depleting compounds have been available for many years now, R-22 equipment is still the bestseller. New equipment and an ever growing installed base are driving market demand for R-22 to historically high levels.

The phase out of R-22 discourages producers from investing in new and more efficient equipment.

• U.S. companies are not investing in R-22 production due to the eventual phase out. Aging equipment is becoming more expensive to operate and maintain.
• Over the past several years, raw material costs have hit record levels and the key raw materials used in R-22 (Chlorine, Fluorspar,Natural Gas) remain at historically high cost levels.

What you can do

Given the R-22 consumption cap and phaseout, what can you do?

• Contractors should begin to recommend totheir customers a change to alternativerefrigerants that are 100% non ozonedepleting, are not subject to a phase out, and in many cases are more efficient than R-22 which will save money on utility bills.
• These alternative refrigerants include:
  AZ-20 (410A) – Best choice in the air conditioning market 404A,
  AZ-50 (507) – Best choice in the refrigeration market
  407C
  422D
• Contractors should also look into utilizing a certified R-22 reclaim program for R-22 supply. Ask your Genetron Wholesaler about the details.

To Learn More about the R-22 Phase out visit the EPA by clicking the link below:

R-22 Phase Out

EPA Phamphlets on the phase out of R-22 for

• For Homeowners
• For Contractors