ARLINGTON, Va. - The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) has announced the launch of a new Website, www.phaseoutfacts.org, which it said is designed to provide information and reduce confusion regarding the phaseout of HCFC refrigerants, to enable better decision making and to improve compliance with refrigerant laws and regulations.

“Our intent is to provide some much needed clarity to the market by creating a simple, trustworthy source of information regarding the phaseout and how it impacts equipment owners, including homeowners, installers, and wholesalers,” said AHRI President Stephen Yurek.

AHRI’s Chemicals and Refrigerant Reclaimers product section, which is comprised of chemical producers, reclaimers, and equipment manufacturers, found that many people are unaware or misinformed about the rules and regulations governing the phaseout. The section created the site to serve as a comprehensive resource on the issue.

The site will be frequently updated with the latest news on decisions being made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding refrigerants, said AHRI, and with content specifically aimed at equipment owners, contractors, and technicians who purchase and handle refrigerants, and the wholesalers who sell it.

The site also includes a “Get Answers” feature that allows visitors to ask questions of experts if the site’s existing content does not provide the information they are seeking.

“This feature is not only a benefit to our visitors, but it also provides us with more insight into where we can do a better job of providing information on the phaseout issue,” said Yurek.

AHRI said that to maintain the site’s integrity, it will not carry any advertising. The Chemical and Refrigerant Reclaimers product section also has committed to ensuring unbiased content based solely on the facts of the laws and regulations controlling the use of refrigerants in cooling and commercial refrigeration equipment.

“While there is a great deal of information available on the HCFC refrigerant phaseout and their replacements from other resources, it can be overwhelming, confusing, and in many cases conflicting,” said Yurek. “PhaseOutFacts.org was organized to provide all audiences quick and direct access to concise, accurate information, which is what we believe they need and are seeking.”

Publication date: 05/11/2009