ARE THE NEW A/C UNITS ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE?

There has been much concern lately as to what type of refrigerant the new units use and how much longer current refrigerants will be available.

The refrigerant in your air conditioner or heat pump system is a chemical known as HCFC-22 (Hydrochlorofluorocarbon). It contains hydrogen, chlorine, fluorine and carbon.

CFC's (Chlorofluorocarbons) contain chlorine, fluorine and carbon. CFC's are used as refrigerants in small appliances and automobiles. CFC's are very stable and do not break down in the lower atmosphere. They can remain in the atmosphere for 100 years or more. Because HCFC's contain hydrogen, they can break up quickly and have a short life span.

The government has called for a phase out of CFC's by 1996. Under the federal Clean Air Act, HCFC's will be phased out by 2030. Because the new units use HCFC's, they will be available until 2030.