CHICAGO — A long time ago, in what seemed to be a galaxy far, far, away, the EPA required Jedi Knight contractors to have recovery machines and make sure refrigerants were pure through either recycling or reclamation processes.
Most everybody purchased those laser swords of technology and, as supplies of CFCs and HCFCs dwindled and costs rose, contractors continued to use them. But eventually even the best high-tech weapons wear out. And then — and usually only then — did the rooftop warriors break down and buy a new one.