There have been many changes in recent years in regard to the removal, or recovery, of refrigerants within the many refrigeration units that we have around the world. With the advent of the discovery that Freon was causing the obliteration of the ozone layer, new refrigerants were made to replace R-22. As a result of this, and entirely new industry was developed. This is often referred to as refrigerant recovery. This is the process through which cooling equipment, such as a refrigerator or freezer, will have the existing refrigerant removed before the new ones are put in. This requires a substantial amount of expertise, as well as the equipment necessary, to fully remove the old refrigerant and prevented from leaking out into the atmosphere. Here is an overview of the full refrigerant recovery procedure, from start to finish, that HVAC professionals will perform when they come over to replace the Freon in your existing equipment.
What Is Refrigerant Recovery?
This is simply the specific name that is given to the process of removing existing refrigerant from a cooling system. By using this equipment, refrigerant gas can be extracted, preventing it from going anywhere but sealed containers where it will be stored. In particular, Freon needs to be handled very carefully. Studies have shown that the chlorofluorocarbons that it is made of have adverse effects on the ozone layer. Once it was proven that CFCs were the primary contributors to the diminishing of this layer of the atmosphere, which protects us from UV light and radiation, changes needed to be made. In compliance with the Clean Air Act of 1990, and also in conjunction with the EPA, certain procedures were developed. These are the same procedures that all HVAC professionals must follow when they are recovering this refrigerant from existing refrigeration units.
How Does The Process Work?
Before the process can begin, all HVAC professionals are going to take safety precautions. They will always wear safety goggles, as well as thick gloves, that will protect their eyes and hands. Second, they will have equipment that is ready to use which will include a suction device, hoses, and a container that will contain the refrigerant in a gaseous form. They will also have meters that can determine if there is any leakage at all. If there is, they can make adjustments to prevent this from occurring. Once everything is hooked up, they will then turn on the machinery. It will then, similar to a vacuum, extract the gas. Once the process is complete, and that area of the refrigeration unit has been emptied, they will then remove everything and use equipment that can put the new refrigerant in.
Different Types Of Recovery Processes
There are several different types of recovery processes that are used during this extraction. First of all, this can be done by extracting the liquid. Second, they will extract vapor, which will require different equipment. They can also use what is called the push pull method. When extracting the liquid, they are taking out the refrigerant while it is in a liquid state. This is one of the easiest ways to accomplish this task. It is also the fastest, yet it is not advisable with some HVAC systems, which is why the vapor recovery method is often used. The push pull method is a two-step process. It requires two separate hose connections. Initially, the liquid will be removed. Then, as if to make sure that all of the existing coolant is removed, they will then change the settings to extract the vapor that may remain. Once everything is extracted, following EPA guidelines, these professionals will then dispose of the CFCs so they are not able to go into the atmosphere.
How To Locate HVAC Professionals That Can Do This For You
it is so important to work with a reliable business that is not only efficient, but that is known for disposing of the CFCs properly. There are some companies that may actually release the gaseous form of chlorofluorocarbons into the air in order to save themselves money. Reputable businesses will take these to the proper disposal areas where they will do what must be done to this liquid or gas. Likewise, they need to charge a reasonable amount of money, especially if you have a significant number of these machines. You could save thousands of dollars by simply choosing a business that is much more reasonable when doing this full refrigerant recovery procedure.
Is One Method Better Than The Other?
The method that the HVAC company uses will depend upon a couple factors. First of all, they will do what they are trained to do. For example, if they only know how to remove the liquid state of CFCs, they will likely only have the machinery, hoses, and safety equipment necessary for that procedure. If you find a business that does the push pull method, they will be equipped to handle both the gaseous and liquid form of chlorofluorocarbons. If they have been around for quite some time, you will know that they will not only be reliable and affordable, but they will also be efficient at disposing of these unwanted materials.
This overview of the full refrigerant recovery procedure should make it very easy for you to find the best company to help you with this. They will provide you with estimates, and you should also do a little background research. It’s good to know which companies are considered to be the best. Through recommendations, and also looking at public feedback, you will have a better idea of which company to work with. This recovery procedure must be done by trained professionals, and there is more than likely more than one HVAC company that can help you exchange the Freon in your refrigeration units with something that is much more efficient and EPA compliant like Bluon Energy’s tdx 20. Additionally, by doing your research in a thorough manner, you will end up with a company that will save you money. It is something that must be done, prior to the year 2020, if you are doing this to remove all of the Freon in your refrigeration units.
