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Fluorocarbon refrigerants and the environment: frequently asked questions
- What fluorocarbon-based refrigerants are used in New Zealand?
- Haven’t we got rid of CFCs?
- How much damage do CFCs do?
- Where do HCFCs fit?
- Where do HFCs fit?
- Are there any other refrigerants that can be used instead of fluorocarbons?
- Are there any special laws covering the use of fluorocarbons in New Zealand?
- How do big air conditioning and refrigeration systems compare with vehicles and home refrigerators?
- Who should look after big air conditioning systems or freezers?
- I manage buildings with big air conditioning systems or freezers. What should I do?
- I rent office space. What should I do about air conditioning in the office?
- How can I check that the person who works on my motor vehicles knows about refrigerants?
- What about the refrigerator or heat pump at home?
- What happens to refrigerant from old equipment?
What fluorocarbon-based refrigerants are used in New Zealand?
The fluorocarbon refrigerants used in New Zealand are chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
Haven’t we got rid of CFCs?
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. However, there are still CFCs left in New Zealand in older industrial air conditioning and refrigeration systems, car air conditioning systems and domestic refrigerators.
How much damage do CFCs do?
CFCs are “double trouble”. As well as harming the ozone layer, they are also strong greenhouse gases that can cause climate change. The 80 grams of CFC in a domestic refrigerator can destroy 3 tonnes of ozone. A multi-story building still using CFCs for air conditioning would have several hundred kilograms of refrigerant. There are thought to be thousands of tonnes of CFCs still left in New Zealand, possibly hundreds of thousands of tonnes.
Where do HCFCs fit?
HCFCs or hydrochlorofluorocarbons were developed as “transitional” refrigerants. They do much less damage to the ozone layer than CFCs, and they are being used by the refrigeration industry while other longer-term replacements are developed. Imports of HCFCs will be phased out by 2015. Owners of plant containing HCFCs should ensure that plant is well managed, as HCFCs will become increasingly expensive and difficult to obtain. Timely replacement of equipment should be considered. For more information about importing HCFCs visit the Ministry for Economic Development website.
Where do HFCs fit?
HFCs or hydrofluorocarbons do not harm the ozone layer but they are highly potent greenhouse gases (from 140 to 12,000 times more potent than CO2). HFCs are part of the “basket of gases” covered under the Kyoto Protocol.
Are there any other refrigerants that can be used instead of fluorocarbons?
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.
Are there any special laws covering the use of fluorocarbons in New Zealand?
It is not against the law to store or to use any refrigerants. It is against the law to wilfully release CFCs and HCFCs into the atmosphere while installing, maintaining or decommissioning equipment.
The Government’s climate change policy includes a voluntary handling, education and recovery programme for refrigeration and insulation uses of HFCs and PFCs. Annual reports on progress will be made to Cabinet. A comprehensive review will be undertaken in 2005. If insufficient progress is made further policies may be introduced.
How do big air conditioning and refrigeration systems compare with vehicles and home refrigerators?
Big commercial systems are very important because they can contain several thousand kilograms of refrigerant. Vehicle air conditioning and domestic appliances also contain fluorocarbons, however, and they also need to be looked after properly.
Who should look after big air conditioning systems or freezers?
The Institute of Refrigeration, Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers (IRHACE) admin@irhace.org.nz operates the No-Loss training programme for people who work on refrigeration and air conditioning equipment containing fluorocarbons. People who have passed the No-Loss exam should carry the No-Loss card whenever they go on to a client’s site.
I manage buildings with big air conditioning systems or freezers. What should I do?
You should contact your service organisation now, and check that the people who work on your equipment have done the No-Loss course. Ask the contractors to bring their No-loss cards next time they come on-site. If you have a company-wide quality assurance or environmental protection plan, please write in the No-Loss requirement now or when the plan is reviewed.
I rent office space. What should I do about air conditioning in the office?
When you enter into new tenancy agreements or review present ones, you should specify that everyone working on refrigeration and air conditioning equipment has the No-Loss card.
How can I check that the person who works on my motor vehicles knows about refrigerants?
You should make sure that people working on vehicles:
- Belong to the Motor Trades Association (MTA) (email com.tech@motor-trade.co.nz) or the Vehicle Air Conditioning Specialists of Australasia (VASA) (www.vasa.org.au)
- Have the appropriate qualifications and use the Code of Practice for their particular organisation
- Have the equipment needed to recover refrigerants.
What about the refrigerator or heat pump at home?
People working on home appliances should have the No-Loss card. This includes the people who install home air conditioning systems. When appliances reach the end of their life, make sure they go to a landfill or service operator where you know they will be de-gassed (the refrigeration gases will be recovered). Email admin@irhace.org.nz or phone 0800 No-Loss for the names of qualified people in your area.
What happens to refrigerant from old equipment?
Clean refrigerant can be re-used, and the refrigeration industry has set up a voluntary levy scheme to fund the safe destruction of CFCs and HCFCs that are no longer wanted. To contact the Recovery Trust email rod.tapp@nz.pwc.com.
Last updated: 22 February 2006
