AUTOMOBILES |
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The Cadillac XTS was the first major car on the American market to use HFOs in place of HFCs.
First of all, please take an extra step and ask your automobile mechanic to check your air conditioning system for leaks. This should be an inexpensive procedure, and is extremely important. Car air conditioners, according to the EPA, leak at higher rates than essentially any other system. Why? The car's constant engine vibrations, compounded with regular movement and kicked-up debris, can loosen joints and puncture systems. Therefore, every time you get your car serviced, have your mechanic check the system for leaks. Plus, you have a financial incentive. The less your system leaks, the fewer times you'll have to recharge your air conditioning system with expensive refrigerants.
A surprising number of cars have since switched from R-134A to the HFO R-1234yf. Therefore, one of easiest ways to make a difference as a consumer is to purchase a car that uses HFOs in its air conditioning systems.
Here's a list. Since we know the average consumer isn't in the market to buy a brand-new Tesla, budget cars are in bold.
This list may not be updating along with new automobiles. The most prudent way to check if a car uses a certain refrigerant is to talk to your dealer. By 2021, all newly manufactured cars will have to use a non-R-134A refrigerant--likely to be an alternative to HFC. However, if you are in the market for a new car, considering these HFO options won't hurt. R-1234yf-equipped cars need to have unique parts, regulations, and safeguards to make sure that the car is safe. The government oversees the process seriously, so safety shouldn't be a concern.
A surprising number of cars have since switched from R-134A to the HFO R-1234yf. Therefore, one of easiest ways to make a difference as a consumer is to purchase a car that uses HFOs in its air conditioning systems.
Here's a list. Since we know the average consumer isn't in the market to buy a brand-new Tesla, budget cars are in bold.
- Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Spark EV, BMW i3 and i8, Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Dodge Dart, Dodge Durango, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500, Fiat 500 and 500L, Alfa Romeo 4C, Honda Fit EV, Tesla Model S, Range Rover, and Range Rover Sport, Toyota Yaris, Toyota Prius
- This list is not the full list of cars that use R-1234yf, just the ones displayed on the EPA's website. Feel free to visit the full list.
This list may not be updating along with new automobiles. The most prudent way to check if a car uses a certain refrigerant is to talk to your dealer. By 2021, all newly manufactured cars will have to use a non-R-134A refrigerant--likely to be an alternative to HFC. However, if you are in the market for a new car, considering these HFO options won't hurt. R-1234yf-equipped cars need to have unique parts, regulations, and safeguards to make sure that the car is safe. The government oversees the process seriously, so safety shouldn't be a concern.
REFRIGERATORS |
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Unfortunately, the scope of the Kigali Amendment mainly deals with large appliances--everything that you won't find in your home. However, this doesn't mean that you shouldn't or can't upgrade to a system running on alternatives to HFC. With upcoming transitions, HFC production will decrease, so you should be considering a new refrigerator in the next decade or so.
Although the main three alternatives (carbon dioxide, ammonia, and HFOs) aren't popularly available, R-600A (isobutane) refrigerators exist on the market. R-600A does not harm the ozone layer and has a global warming potential of 3. Although it runs $5000, you can buy one here: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JR0CKA/ref=s9_acsd_simh_hd_bw_bFhIX_c_x_1_w?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-4&pf_rd_r=3YTT886HA7P34ZQA9VK6&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=0d1e86f6-9f8e-5b97-95ab-ad0b37a2e4a6&pf_rd_i=3741361
Isobutane is also highly flammable, so it's important to maintain the refrigerator diligently and monitor leaks. As the market expands, we'll add more refrigerators to this section.
Although the main three alternatives (carbon dioxide, ammonia, and HFOs) aren't popularly available, R-600A (isobutane) refrigerators exist on the market. R-600A does not harm the ozone layer and has a global warming potential of 3. Although it runs $5000, you can buy one here: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JR0CKA/ref=s9_acsd_simh_hd_bw_bFhIX_c_x_1_w?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-4&pf_rd_r=3YTT886HA7P34ZQA9VK6&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=0d1e86f6-9f8e-5b97-95ab-ad0b37a2e4a6&pf_rd_i=3741361
Isobutane is also highly flammable, so it's important to maintain the refrigerator diligently and monitor leaks. As the market expands, we'll add more refrigerators to this section.