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Canberra is a bustling city with a diverse range of businesses that require efficient and reliable refrigeration systems. In recent years, many Canberra businesses have started turning to hydrocarbon refrigerants to meet their refrigeration needs. This is, at least in part, due to the global warming potential (GWP) of various refrigerants.
GWP (Global Warming Potential) is a measure used to compare the climate impacts of different gases. It is calculated in terms of the amount of heat a gas absorbs over a given period of time, relative to the amount of heat absorbed by a similar mass of carbon dioxide. A higher GWP score means that the gas is more potent in causing global warming.
Commercial food stores and display units use refrigerants to absorb the heat from the enclosed space and then reject the heat outside. Currently, many refrigeration units use R-410A, R-22, R-32, or refrigerant.
According to the California Air Resources Board, R-22, has a 100-year GWP of 1,810, almost 2,000 times the potency of carbon dioxide, so just one pound of R-22 is nearly as potent as a ton of carbon dioxide.
R-22 has been phased out and R-410A is in the process of being phased out over the next few years, due to their potential for environmental and human harm.
What’s so good about Hydrocarbons?
Hydrocarbon refrigerants are a natural and safe alternative to traditional synthetic refrigerants. They are derived from natural gases and are non-toxic, non-flammable, and have zero ozone depletion potential.
The leading refrigerant in Canberra at present is R-32. R-32 is a naturally occurring hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant with zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and low global warming potential (GWP). It has a higher cooling capacity than R410A and can be used as a replacement for R410A in existing systems.
Environmental Benefits
One of the significant environmental benefits of Hydrocarbon refrigerants is their low global warming potential (GWP). This is because the GWP is measured by the amount of heat a gas traps in the atmosphere; its typically measured in relation to Carbon dioxide.
Previous synthetic refrigerants were typically composed of chlorine and fluorine atoms, which are known to trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming. This can pose significant environmental risks for businesses, and with sustainability practices being at the forefront for businesses to achieve, it will definitely affect that.
One of the main concerns with synthetic refrigerants is that they are highly toxic when inhaled.
Many synthetic refrigerants are composed of chlorine and fluorine atoms, which can harm a person’s health when inhaled in large concentrations. High levels of exposure to these refrigerants can cause respiratory problems, headaches, dizziness, and other symptoms.
This is usually the result of inadequate handling and maintenance to detect leaks or repairs of ventilation systems. This could have significant cost repercussions on businesses having their health and safety checks conducted.
With hydrocarbon refrigerants, all this is avoided with their non-toxic properties, which help reduce the excess costs in maintenance for many refrigeration installations in Canberra and ACT.
Economic Benefits
Hydrocarbon refrigerants provide immense energy efficiency benefits for both homes and businesses. These refrigerants provide a higher coefficient of performance (COP) than synthetic refrigerants, which means they require less energy to cool spaces and are cheaper to run.
Another benefit is that hydrocarbon refrigerants are reliable and durable. These refrigerants are designed to withstand harsh conditions and resist corrosion and oxidation. This means hydrocarbon refrigerant-based cooling systems require less maintenance and have a longer lifespan than synthetic refrigerants. This could lead to significant cost savings for businesses in terms of maintenance and repair.
Hydrocarbon refrigerants have lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) compared to synthetic refrigerants, which means they have a lower impact on the environment. This can help businesses comply with regulations and avoid penalties for non-compliance
The initial cost of switching to a hydrocarbon refrigerant system may be higher, but the long-term savings in energy costs and maintenance more than make up for it. Hydrocarbon refrigerants are indeed relatively cost-efficient.
Safety Benefits
Hydrocarbon refrigerants contain non-toxic properties. This is especially helpful if a gas leak were to occur in the refrigerator; this would not pose any health effects on any person who inhales it.
In contrast to synthetic refrigerants, which can cause respiratory problems, headaches, dizziness, and other symptoms if inhaled in large concentrations. This makes hydrocarbon refrigerants a safer option for people who work with refrigerants on a regular basis.
Hydrocarbon refrigerants are also non-flammable, which means they do not pose a risk of fire or explosion. This is an important safety feature, as refrigerant leaks can sometimes be a significant fire hazard.
Synthetic refrigerants are flammable, which means they can ignite if they come into contact with a spark or open flame. Therefore, hydrocarbon refrigerants are a safer alternative for businesses concerned about fire hazards.
Safety for the environment is another important aspect when it comes to refrigerants. Hydrocarbon refrigerants have zero ozone depletion potential, meaning they do not contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer. Synthetic refrigerants, on the other hand, are known to have a negative impact on the ozone layer, which can lead to increased UV radiation and other negative effects on the environment.
Hydrocarbon refrigerants are an excellent refrigetaion option for Canberra businesses looking for an efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly cooling solution. With their many benefits, including energy efficiency, durability, and cost-efficiency, hydrocarbon refrigerants would be an amazing investment for Canberra businesses.
At Bliss Airconditioning
Bliss Airconditioning understands the importance of a reliable and efficient refrigeration system in Canberra. We specialise in installing, servicing, repairing and refrigeration systems. Phone now to get a free quote on your residential or commercial refrigeration needs!
Bliss Airconditioning is a leading Canberra air conditioning and refrigeration service company that can provide professional advice about the best air conditioning/refrigeration options.