Freon" is a trade name for CFC and HCFC refrigerants used by DuPont. Other trade names include Allied-Signal's "Genetron" and ICI's "Arcton". Various companies sell the same CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, and other products under different names. The most common ozone-depleting refrigerants are CFC-12, R-502, and HCFC-22. R-502 is a blend of 48.8% HCFC-22 and 51.2% CFC-115. This site is maintained by Mainstream Engineering Corporation and is not associated with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Ammonia has been used a lot in freezing works and large cold-stores. It is now being used in large fishing boats and some commercial systems such as water chillers. Hydrocarbons such as isobutane, butane and propane are used in some small charge systems such as domestic appliances and small air conditioners. Hydrocarbons have also been trialed in NZ in farm milk cooling. The use of carbon dioxide is being tested overseas, and is likely to be used for some types of refrigeration in NZ in future. See similar questions...

Technically speaking, "Freon" is a trademark used by the Dupont corporation for their line of refrigerant products. It's come to be a standard, however, much like "Xerox" has to the copy industry. Freon - or, more correctly, R-22 - is a chemical that is used by air conditioning systems to move heat. See similar questions...

Can Cold™ Hydrocarbon Refrigerants are compatible with existing mineral oils POE oils and PAG oils See similar questions...

The fluorocarbon refrigerants used in New Zealand are chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons) were developed in the 1930s as safe, non-flammable and non-toxic refrigerants. They were widely used until it was confirmed in the 1980s that they were the main source of harm to the ozone layer. CFCs have not been imported into New Zealand since 1996. See similar questions...

The reason that freon is regulated is that the chlorine it contains can destroy the ozone layer. This ozone layer protects us from the UV radiation that can cause skin cancer and effects our immune system. To obtain the latest boating information, be sure to also check with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. See similar questions...

All items containing Freon, (refrigerator, air conditioners, freezers) must have the Freon removed by a certified technician. The necessary forms are available from the Town Clerk and must be returned to Modern Disposal to arrange for pickup. See similar questions...

Practically, there is no such thing as a perfect refrigerant. All candidates, although technically efficient with regards to energy efficiency for example have undesirable intrinsic properties with regards to health, safety and the environment : Hydrocarbons (Propane and isobutane) are highly flammable and, when released, contribute to the lower atmosphere ozone pollution ('photochemical smog'). See similar questions...

There is no DEP certificate for freon. Miami-Dade County has a freon certificate for their county and you can find out more by calling 305/372-6925. For information on the federal requirements for freon, please call 1-800-296-1996, or go to www.epa.gov/ozone. See similar questions...

It is generally accepted that adherence to Standard 15 of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) will ensure the safety of technicians and building occupants. This standard applies to the use of all alternative refrigerants. In addition, systems designed and operated in accordance with ASHRAE Guideline 3 will leak minimal amounts of refrigerant, thereby reducing ozone depletion and global warming impacts. See similar questions...

Trade the old one in when buying a new one or sale or give away to a used appliance shop. The freon must be removed by a certified technician properly licensed, trained and equipped to capture the freon. Possible $25,000 dollar fine for illegally disposing of freon. Used appliance shops can usually help or call 467-4262. See similar questions...

Currently, the Ministry of Environment and Energy does not offer a recommendation regarding top-up refrigerants. Contact your car dealer to see whether or not using a top-up refrigerant might invalidate your car warranty. See similar questions...

No. A number of refrigerants other than R-134a have been listed by EPA as acceptable under its Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program, or are under SNAP review. The SNAP program evaluates substitutes only for their effect on human health and the environment, and not for performance or durability. None of these refrigerants have been endorsed by the OEMs for use in vehicles, and few have had extensive testing in a wide range of vehicle models. See similar questions...

R-22 is the common name for hydro-chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC). R-22 has been used as a refrigerant by HVAC manufacturers for over 40 years, but studies in the past decade have shown that HCFCs contain chlorine, an ozone-depleting agent. For this reason, the United States Clean Air Act has set a target date for January 1, 2010, on which HVAC manufacturers must cease the production of products that use R-22. See similar questions...

Yes. The Clean Air Act of 1990 mandated a complete phase-out of R-22 and in 1996 a production cap was placed on its production. In 2004 production of R-22 was cut by 25% and the manufacture of R-22 compatible equipment will be prohibited after 2010. Production of R-22 will be banned completely in 2020. The replacement is a much more environmentally friendly chemical, R-410A. During the summer months, set your thermostat back during the day when you are not at home. See similar questions...

Chloroflorocarbons (also known as CFC's or generically as freon) were no longer produced after 1996 due to the fact that they destroy ozone, which protects us from the sun's ultraviolet rays. CFC's are the propellant used to provide the jet of spray in the metered dose inhalers. The FDA has grandfathered the MDI's so that they can continue to be used for the present time, but that will not last long. See similar questions...

You can ask a local solid waste firm if they are certified to transport appliances containing ozone depleting compounds and what they charge. See similar questions...

No. Unless the Rome Heat Pump has a leak in the sealed refrigeration system, the factory charge of Freon should last for the life of the unit. Freon is very stable and should not degrade or breakdown even under severe operating conditions. See similar questions...

The Environmental Protection Association (EPA) is calling for a cease in production of all products that use HCFC refrigerants, such as R-22, by the year 2010. However, the eventual phase out of R-22 is not scheduled to occur until the year 2020. See similar questions...