Few of us understand the intricate ways that machines continually operate to make our lives comfortable and safe. Appliances, like air conditioners units and refrigerators, keep us and our food cool. Do you know how they do it? One of the most important components of the system is a fluid known as refrigerant. Without an adequate supply of clean fluid, these appliances will not work properly.
Unfortunately, this cooling fluid has been shown to harmfully impact the environment by depleting the ozone layer, which affects everything from the climate to the quality of the air we breathe. That's why the Environmental Protection Agency has created strict rules for refrigerant recycling and the prevention of refrigerant leaking.
What is Refrigerant Recycling?
Over time, the cooling fluid in your air conditioner, refrigerator, and other cooling systems can become contaminated with dirt and other debris. The contamination causes the fluid to be less effective, and these appliances are not able to work properly.
Refrigerant recycling is a process of removing or reducing those contaminants so that the fluid can continue to be used in the same appliance. This reduces the demand for new resources, which can contribute to environmental damage.
The recycled liquid must meet minimum standards established by the EPA, and it cannot-or should not-be used in other appliances.
Reclamation vs. Recycling
Another way that HVAC technicians reduce the consumption of refrigerant is to reclaim the used chemical. This is a more intensive process than recycling, and it involves a complex series of chemical processes, filtering, drying, and distillation to remove impurities from the liquid.
When reclamation is complete, the liquid is as pure as if you had bought it brand new. The liquid can then be sold for use in any other cooling device.
In addition to reclamation and recycling, the EPA also encourages the elimination of "venting" to conserve this resource. Venting allows refrigerant to escape into the atmosphere during regular services, such as repairs or maintenance. Now, the EPA requires that all fluid levels are vacuum sealed to minimize the risk of loss and the potential damage to the environment.
Why It Matters
The earth is so vast that it is tempting to think of its resources as infinite. We cannot imagine a day when there is no water to drink or gas to run our cars. Likewise, we can't imagine a day that our atmosphere does not provide the protections we need. However, if we do not take the right precautions, that day will come. It may not come in our lifetime, but it will come.
Refrigerant recycling is just one of the many environmentally responsible practices needed to protect our planet and its resources. That way, we can continue to enjoy the comforts of modern life while also knowing that we are protecting our future and our children's future.
It is important that you work only with certified technicians to perform the recycling. These technicians have the specialty training and certification to properly handle the liquid and to ensure the job is performed correctly and safely.
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