It’s a new day in the world of refrigeration. As of January 1, 2020, the United States has begun a methodical phase-out of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). While the more toxic class I substances have already been eliminated, now it’s time for the U.S. to begin getting rid of class II ozone-depleting substances, also known as hydrochlorofluorocarbons. That’s where your refrigerator comes in.

Most commercial-sized refrigeration units are powered by hydrochlorofluorocarbons (mercifully abbreviated as HCFC-22 or R-22) in Eugene, OR. As of the first of the year, these substances will no longer be produced or imported to the United States. While the continued use of HCFC-22 isn’t illegal, there will arise occasions where it’s advisable to transition your company’s refrigeration system to an alternative refrigerant.

Expansion

If your business is poised for expansion in the coming years, it might be a good idea to start shopping for alternative refrigerants. Why? Due to the phase-out of R-22 in Eugene, OR, new HCFC-22-based systems cannot be legally installed in a commercial setting. Business owners can purchase repurposed or reclaimed HCFC-22 systems, but those may not offer the same reliability as a virgin system.

Price

You might balk at the thought of installing an entirely new refrigeration system, but making the transition to an alternative refrigerant can actually improve your bottom line. Alternative refrigerants run more efficiently than HCFC-22, which amounts to lower monthly energy payments.

What’s more, the longer that R-22 continues as a phased-out substance, the harder and harder it will be to find replacement parts and repurposed systems. Reduced availability means an increased price to replace.

Effort

As HCFC-22 continues to be phased out, repurposed parts will be harder to find. Perhaps even more important, finding an expert who is capable of repairing and maintaining an HCFC-22-powered refrigeration system will be more difficult.

At what point does your time become a factor in the management of your refrigeration system? Regardless of which industry you’re in, you no doubt expected that you could devote the meat of your workday to doing business, not making sure that your refrigerator is working correctly.

Take the next step with American Refrigeration Inc.

If you’re thinking about replacing your R-22 or HCFC-22 equipment in Eugene, OR, then you don’t need to plan alone. Place a call to American Refrigeration Inc., where we have more than 20 years of experience serving the extended Eugene and Portland areas.

In addition to our refrigeration services, we also specialize in commercial HVAC, air conditioning and heating maintenance and repair. It doesn’t matter what type of environment you’re working in—we have the skill and the knowledge to fix anything from an ultra-cooled laboratory environment to a walk-in wine cellar.

Because we understand that your business relies in part on your HVAC systems working properly, we’re happy to offer efficient, effective emergency service 24 hours a day and seven days a week. When you need the best, you deserve American Refrigeration Inc. Give us a call or visit us online today. We can’t wait to hear from you.