Totaline® Sales Centers Fade to Green
With 2009 nearly over and 2010 quickly approaching, the phasing out of R-22 refrigerant should be on the minds of technicians everywhere. Since refrigerant is used in both cooling (AC) and heating (HP) applications, techs should be ready for the transition from R-22 to the more environmentally friendly R-410A. What do technicians need to know as the HVAC/R industry moves away from R-22 applications, and how will Totaline sales centers help in the transition?
“Technicians need to be aware that equipment utilizing R-22 will no longer be manufactured after 2009,” said Senior Product Manager for Training Tom Kelly. “The reason it has been phased out is because R-410A, or Puron® refrigerant as it’s known at Carrier, is a far more environmentally proactive choice.” Kelly explained that R-22 causes ozone depletion, and under both the Montreal Protocol and the Clean Air Act is being phased out internationally.
R-410A has been in use since 1995, but with the recent trend toward green technology, as well as stiffer government regulations, it has become increasingly more popular. R-410A is more environmentally friendly, generally more efficient, and is backed by such programs as Energy Star.
Kelly said that after December, service supplies of R-22 refrigerant will still be available at Totaline sales centers, but because of the limited quantities, prices will likely increase. As a result, technicians might choose to recover and reuse the R-22. “Techs will still have customers that own R-22 units,” Kelly said. “They need to know that if they choose to use recycled refrigerant, it can only be used in its original unit, and under no circumstances should they replace R-22 with R-410A in an any unit.”
Kelly added that one of the best ways techs can get ready for the industry transition from R-22 to R-410A is to get educated. “Training is a very important element for technicians as these changes go into effect,” he said. “R-410A units have different pressures, pipe sizing, and charging methods, so techs need training to know what to expect and how to properly install and service this equipment. There are many good training avenues available for technicians who want to learn more about this transition,” Kelly said, adding that many distributors and organizations such as RSES hold product-training classes.
He also said that while the benefits of R-410A use might be readily apparent to technicians, customers might not realize them. “It’s important for techs to inform their customers of the benefits of R-410A products. Today’s customers are more aware of environmental concerns. They’re looking for products that are Energy Star rated and approved, and R-410A equipment fits the bill.”
While many technicians have been installing Puron units over the past decade, those who have not yet used R-410A applications might wonder what kinds of equipment they’ll need to purchase in order to successfully make the transition. “Because R-410A operates at a higher pressure, techs will need compatible tools,” Kelly said. Some of the items that techs will need to purchase include gauges, hoses, recovery machines, refrigerant cylinders, leak-detection devices, vacuum pumps, moisture indicators, and R-410A pressure and temperature charts.
Kelly said that all of these tools, as well as the items necessary to maintain existing R-22 units, are available at Totaline sales centers. “Everything technicians need to transition to R-410A and take care of customers with R-22 equipment can be found right at Totaline sales centers,” Kelly said. “And techs can count on counter sales associates to help them find everything they need and educate them on how to make the transition to R-410A a success.”
Posted September 2, 2009
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