The ongoing phaseout of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), such as R-22, holds many unknowns for the HVACR industry as 2020 approaches, but at least one sector of the industry anticipates tremendous opportunity: the reclamation sector. Although the reclaimers face some of the same unknowns as the rest of the industry, the need for their services is likely to increase, and they will play a vital role in contractors’ ability to service their customers.
“The reclamation sector has been anxiously awaiting the EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] phasedown for many years,” said Bob Kussel, vice president, Consolidated Refrigerant Solutions Inc. “Reclaimers are ready, willing, and able to handle the current and future demands for reclaimed refrigerant R-22 as the new and imported supply is reduced.”