HVAC Repair: Understanding Chlorofluorocarbons and the R22 Refrigerant Phaseout [INFOGRAPHIC]

What Everyone Needs to Know About Chlorofluorocarbons

It’s a word tossed around by just about everyone these days, and yet few people really could define its meaning in a clear and meaningful way. Well, here it is. Chlorofluorocarbons, also referred to as CFCs, are organic compounds composed of chlorine, fluorine, and carbon. Made as volatile derivatives of methane, ethane and propane, chlorofluorocarbons have historically been used as refrigerants in HVAC systems for multiple decades. The most common CFCs are chlorodifluoromethane and difluoromonochloromethane (try saying those ten times fast), also known as R-12, R-22 or by the commercial brand name Freon®, a product manufactured by DuPont Chemical.

As these CFCs have been linked to significant environmental problems including ozone depletion, the United States government has signed an agreement to phase out their use in a cooperative document referred to as the Montreal Protocol, signed by more than 197 other countries and the Vatican. This means the compounds R-12 and R-22 will ultimately be completely eliminated. Already their worldwide manufacture has been severely curtailed. In their place, HVAC and other industries have begun using less harmful hydrofluorocarbons, also referred to as HFCs.

Another happy result? When it comes to innovative alternative energy methods, forward thinking disposal and recycling techniques, and overall awareness, today’s HVAC is among the most environmentally responsible industries around. We’re proud of our contributions towards a cleaner, greener future for all.

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Now That You Know, What Do You Do? Find Out Here.

Don’t get stuck in a financial nightmare because you didn’t plan ahead! Download our white paper The Freon® Factor to learn how this mandate will affect your business…and what you can do about it, today! Let Air-Tro help you maintain your current HVAC systems to prevent costly HVAC repairs, while advising you on the best, most economical ways to shift to a Freon®-free world ahead.