Case Studies of Successful CFC Elimination

December 27, 2018

The CFC phase out is a major component of the international effort to protect the stratospheric ozone layer. The phase out relied on market forces to encourage development of CFC alternatives. This approach allowed CFC users to respond independently and creatively, often leading to improved technologies and cost reductions. The following are some examples. Aerospace Guidance and Metrology Center (AGMC) The AGMC is a critical repair facility for military navigation and guidance systems. The center once consumed more than 2 million pounds per year of CFC-based cleaning solvents, and it faced a daunting challenge in making the transition to non-ozone-depleting...

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Benefits of the CFC Phase-out

December 27, 2018

The CFC phase out is already producing benefits for the environment, businesses, and individuals. This fact sheet explains some of these benefits. Several case studies of successful conversions to alternatives are listed also. Protection of the Ozone Layer The chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) production phase out is an important turning point in the recovery of the ozone layer. Currently, we are experiencing depletion of approximately 5 percent at mid-latitudes, but if no action had been taken to limit CFCs, ozone depletion at mid-latitudes would eventually have reached 20 percent or more. Because of the phase out, CFCs are no longer accumulating in...

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Ozone Concerns

December 27, 2018

Ozone Science: The Facts Behind the Phase-out The Earth’s ozone layer protects all life from the sun’s harmful radiation, but human activities have damaged this shield. Less protection from ultraviolet light will, over time, lead to higher skin cancer and cataract rates and crop damage. The U.S., in cooperation with over 140 other countries, is phasing out the production of ozone-depleting substances in an effort to safeguard the ozone layer. The Ozone Layer The Earth’s atmosphere is divided into several layers. The lowest region, the troposphere, extends from the Earth’s surface up to about 10 kilometers (km) in altitude. Virtually...

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A Non-Technical Explanation of How Air Conditioning Works

December 27, 2018

An air conditioner is basically a refrigerator without the insulated box. An air conditioner is doing exactly the same thing as your fridge, except it dumps the heat it takes out of the controlled area and dumps it outdoors instead of in your kitchen. To understand what goes on in the system, let’s start where the “freon” gas enters the compressor located typically in the outside part of the unit. As the Refrigerant gas enters the compressor, it squeezes this freon gas that has just absorbed heat from the indoor air, causing it to become extremely hot. This is just...

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A New Furnace Can Reduce Heating Costs

December 27, 2018

Heating bills across the country are the highest they have ever been, with out any relief in sight. Even if your older furnace runs, from an economic standpoint it would be wise to replace it. With the proper furnace selection, your central air-conditioning bills can be lower too. Compared with a 17-year-old furnace, a new furnace can save the typical family hundreds of dollars per year. Based on the efficiency of your old furnace, probably 60% at best, a new furnace can cut your utility bills by 40%. You can do the arithmetic to determine your annual savings. Not only...

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