R-22 REFRIGERANT PHASE-OUT AND SUBSEQUENT CHANGES TO COOLING SYSTEMS

How Bureau Veritas can help you to protect the environment and work towards a healthier planet one cooling system at a time!

​

Most of us have a refrigerator or an air conditioner at home and these cooling devices use a special substance called refrigerant to keep things cold. However, some of these refrigerants can be harmful to the environment because they contribute to global warming. One of these refrigerants is called R-22 and it was commonly used in older cooling systems, but it was discovered that R-22 has a high Global Warming Potential (GWP), meaning it can trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to climate change. To mitigate this problem, the AIM Act (American Innovation and Manufacturing Act) of 2020 was introduced this ACT aims to reduce the production and use of substances like R-22 that have high GWP and we at BV can help way to encourage and help our clients to switch to more eco-friendly alternatives.

​

The AIM Act encourages manufacturers to create and use newer refrigerants that are better for the environment. One such example is R-410A. It's a refrigerant that doesn't contribute as much to global warming as R-22. By switching to refrigerants like R-410A, we can help reduce the impact of our cooling systems on the planet. In a nutshell, the R-22 phase-out and the AIM Act are all about making our cooling systems more eco-friendly by using refrigerants with lower Global Warming Potential. Bureau Veritas can help you to protect the environment and work towards a healthier planet for everyone.

​
 

 

​

 

A COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW

R-22 Refrigerant Phase-Out and the AIM Act of 2020:
Introduction: Refrigerants play a crucial role in cooling systems like air conditioners and refrigerators. However, some refrigerants, like R-22, contribute to global warming when released into the atmosphere due to their high Global Warming Potential (GWP). To address this concern, steps have been taken to phase out such harmful refrigerants and transition to more environmentally friendly alternatives. One significant legislative effort in this direction is the AIM Act of 2020.

R-22 Refrigerant Phase-Out: R-22, also known as chlorodifluoromethane, was commonly used as a refrigerant in various cooling systems for many years. However, it was discovered that R-22 and similar hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) were responsible for depleting the ozone layer and had a high GWP, contributing to global warming. To mitigate these environmental impacts, the phase-out of R-22 was initiated.

Phases of R-22 Phase-Out:

1. Pre-Phase-Out: The Montreal Protocol, an international environmental agreement, set the stage for the gradual reduction of HCFC production, including R-22, starting in the late 1980s.

2. Initial Restrictions: The production and import of R-22 were significantly reduced over time to encourage the adoption of more environmentally friendly alternatives.

3. Phase-Out Deadlines: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established specific deadlines for the complete phase-out of R-22 production and importation, leading to a full ban on R-22 after a certain date.

The AIM Act of 2020: The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020 is a significant piece of legislation designed to further address the use of high-GWP substances like R-22 and promote the transition to more sustainable alternatives.

Disposition Effect: In the event, a HUD loan goes into default property secured with a HUD loan, there is limited recourse. HUD simply gains control of the property and puts the property quickly into dispositions for resales. That means, they take a special interest in the condition of the buildings and land in proximity to the investment so time on the market is minimal. Things that impact the experience of the property, like noise, vibrations, or proximity of power lines, railroads, major highways, use of surrounding buildings, or similar activities are investigated during the application.  

​

Provided below is snapshot of five specific HUD requirements that most often need to be addressed during the application period and why they are overlooked by a conventional lender.

​

​

​

​

​

KEY ASPECTS OF THE AIM ACT:

​

1. HFC Phase-Down: The AIM Act builds on the success of the Montreal Protocol and establishes a framework to gradually reduce the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are commonly used as alternatives to ozone-depleting substances but still have high GWPs.

2. Collaborative Approach: The Act encourages international collaboration by aligning with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which seeks to address HFCs on a global scale.

3. Incentives and Funding: The AIM Act provides support for research, development, and adoption of low-GWP technologies and alternatives. This helps industries transition away from high-GWP substances like R-22.

4. Implementation: The EPA is tasked with regulating the production, import, and use of HFCs, ensuring compliance with the phase-down schedule outlined in the Act.

Transition to Alternatives: One of the alternatives to R-22 is R-410A, a hydrofluorocarbon blend that has a significantly lower GWP. However, while R-410A is a better option in terms of environmental impact, the AIM Act underscores the need for ongoing research to identify even more sustainable alternatives.

​

CONCLUSION:

The R-22 refrigerant phase-out and the AIM Act of 2020 exemplify the global commitment to reducing the environmental impact of refrigerants with high GWP. By phasing out harmful substances and encouraging the adoption of more eco-friendly alternatives, these efforts contribute to the overall goal of mitigating climate change and preserving the health of our planet. It is recommended that consumers purchase A2L-containing equipment when replacing old systems or making new installations because the EPA has proposed banning the use of R-410A in new condensing units/heat pumps by January 1, 2025.

This is where BV can help.

​

HOW BV HELPS YOU MAKE THE TRANSITION:

Since it is recommended that consumers purchase A2L-containing equipment when replacing old systems or making new installations because the EPA has proposed banning the use of R-410A in new condensing units/heat pumps by January 1, 2025. BV can help mitigate the time and cost of implementing these changes. In addition to inflation, these changes are increasing the cost of manufacturing and consequently the cost to the consumer significantly. Please reach out to BV to find out how we can help. 

​

​