A Brief History Behind The Montreal Protocol
In the 1980's, scientists began to understand and report evidence of ozone depletion. In 1987, 191 countries from around the world met to sign the Montreal Protocol. This treaty was to establish ground rules and controls around production of items that were known to deplete the Ozone Layer.
Title VI of the Clean Air Act
Today, 154 countries have signed a treaty to phase out the production of hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Effective January 1, 2010, the EPA under Title VI of the Clean Air Act, will no longer allow air conditioning equipment that uses the refrigerant R-22 (commonly known by the brand name Freon®) to be manufactured. This new mandate is designed to protect the environment from HCFCs as it can be released through leaks and improper disposal. A new refrigerant, R-410A, (commonly known by the brand name Puron®, GENETRON AZ-20®, SUVA 410A® and Forane® 410A) is available and is less harmful to the ozone or environment if it leaks from an air conditioning system.
HMS Home Warranty Contracts Currently Address R-22 and R-410A
HMS will continue to repair and replace existing R-22 systems with new R-22 parts, equipment and refrigerant when and where available. When R-22 refrigerant or R-22 equipment is no longer available we will utilize R-410A equipment or equipment utilizing a similar EPA approved refrigerant. If we decide to replace an air conditioning condenser or heat pump unit, and it becomes necessary to make a mechanical modification or replace the evaporator coil in order to make the unit operable, HMS will cover the cost of one of the following to make the unit operationally compatible: expansion metering device, coil, or air handler.
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