With the environmental crisis currently occurring, many different industries are shifting towards more environmentally friendly practices.
For example, the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) had proposed to the EPA to enforce a plan and lessen the HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) released into the environment. For some background, HFCs are greenhouse gases (which we know is incredibly damaging to the environment) that are mainly from refrigeration, air conditioning, installation insulation, etc.
On December 27, 2020, the EPA was assigned by Congress to conduct the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM) that will phasedown the usage of HFC. The EPA has now released the final rule of the Act and it will be officially implemented in the industry. As outlined on the EPA website, they explain that the final rule “sets the HFC production and consumption baseline levels from which reductions will be made.” The goal is to reduce the production and emission of HFCs by 85% over the next 15 years.
Specifically, the plan includes:
- Phasing down production and consumption
- Maximizing reclamation
- Minimizing releases from equipment
- Facilitating the transition to next-generation technologies through restrictions based on sectors
The plan also includes developing and promoting newer versions of appliances that are more energy-saving. This would not change much for customers – their appliances will still run well, but just less damaging towards the environment. Check out our article on different energy-saving HVAC systems here: https://homesquadusa.com/sustainability-with-hvac-companies/.
Now, what are the benefits of this Act (besides immensely reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping to save our planet)? The EPA outlines a benefit of $283.9 billion from 2022 to 2050. By 2036 (when the final reduction step is made), this rule is expected to prevent around 187 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions (basically that’s equivalent to the gas emissions from one of every seven vehicles in the U.S.).
If you ever need any HVAC or appliance repairs, feel free to call us at (425) 312-6767