How Will EPAs HCFC Phaseout Affect the AC-Refrigeration Industry?
What do the rules do? The Adjustments to the Allowance System for Controlling HCFC Production, Import, and Export rule reduces the amount of virgin R-22 and other HCFCs that will be available after Jan.1, 2010. The R-22 that will be produced may be used only to service equipment that is in use by the end of 2009. The Ban on Sale or Distribution of Pre-Charged Appliances rule prohibits the sale and distribution (including import) of any appliances and appliance components that are “pre-charged” with R-22 or R-142b – if they are manufactured or imported after Jan. 1, 2010. When will R-22 (or blends containing R-22 and/or R-142b) no longer be available for purchase? Currently, technicians who are certified under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act may purchase newly manufactured R-22 to service existing appliances. EPA has restricted the total amount of produced and imported R-22 available in 2010 and will completely stop its production and import in 2020. The agency expects that sufficient
