Why is there an R-22 Phase Out?

Theory of Ozone Depletion

What is Ozone? Ozone is a type of molecule that is made of 3 connected oxygen atoms, which is written in scientific terms as O3. It is mostly found in the stratosphere, and absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation that would otherwise find it's way down to us and cause a variety of problems for humans, animals, and plants. Stratospheric ozone is different from ground-level ozone, which contributes to smog in our cities.

How could CFCs and HCFCs Affect the Ozone Layer?  Ozone is constantly being made in our atmosphere, mostly by collisions of oxygen molecules (O₂) and oxygen atoms (O). Ozone is also constantly being destroyed by similar collisions between O₃ molecules and O atoms, resulting in pairs of O₂ molecules. In theory then, there is a balance between creation and destruction that results in a constant layer of ozone.  The full names for CFCs and HCFCs are Chlorofluorocarbons and Hydrochlorofluorocarbons. CFC molecules are made of chlorine, fluorine, and carbon, and HCFC molecules also have hydrogen atoms attached. The widely accepted theory of ozone depletion is that these molecules, once emitted to the atmosphere, eventually are broken down over long periods of time into their individual atoms. The chlorine atoms then react with the ozone and cause ozone destruction to happen faster than ozone creation.

Why is Ozone Depletion Considered Bad?  Because stratospheric ozone protects us from harmful ultraviolet rays, ozone depletion means people, animals and plants are all affected by these rays when the ozone layer fails to stop them. This may include:

• Increases in skin cancers

• Increases in cataracts of the eyes which can result in loss of sight

• Reduction in the yields of important food crops, according to some scientists

Why can't R-410A Affect the Ozone Layer?R-410A is not a CFC or an HCFC. It is called an HFC, or hydrofluorocarbon, and is made of hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon atoms. Because it has no chlorine, it won't interact with the ozone layer once it breaks down. 

R-22 Supply Phase Out

R-22, along with several other chemicals, have been shown to deplete the ozone layer, which protects us from harmful UV radiation.  In 1990, the United States worked with the global community to protect the environment by phasing out the supply and use of these ozone depleting compounds.

The phase out started in 1996 with CFCs and it will be complete by 2020 for HCFC R-22 that is used in air conditioning and refrigeration.  The phase out is being enforced via an EPA program (under the terms of the Clean Air Act) that issues production and consumption rights.  One right equals one kilogram of R-22 supply.  The EPA will limit the amount of R-22 that is available for use in refrigeration and air conditioning equipment by lowering the amount of R-22 consumption rights over time.  The next step down is in 2010, when the HCFC rights cap that controls the amount of allowed R-22 supply will be lowered by at least 46% from today's levels.

Demand

Today's demand for R-22 is higher than what was expected in 1998 when the phase put 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 best seller.  New equipment and an ever growing installed base are driving market demands for R-22  to historically high levels.

Some of the key reasons for the continued strong demand for R-22 include:

• An economy that has driven unit sales growth by 3% per year over the last five years.
• An increase in minimum SEER ratings which in turn has increased refrigerant charge size by 30% on average.
• The transition into alternatives such as 410A has been slower than anticipated.
• R-22 equipment is still being installed in the refrigeration and A/C market adding to a large  installed equipment base.
• Uncertainty around the EPA's 2010 decision on how much R-22 to allow for A/C and refrigeration applications.  The EPA does not have to issue all available rights allowed in the phase out schedule.

Rising Costs

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 and 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 to raw materials used in R-22 (Chlorine, Fluorspar, Natural Gas) remain at historically high cost levels.

Disclaimer:  All Statements, information and data given Herein are believed to be accurate and reliable but are presented without guaranty, warranty or responsibility of any kind, expressed or implied.

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Last modified: 8/1/11