Tag Archives: refrigeration service

Section 608 Of The Clean Air Act

Refrigeration And Air Conditioning Service

The ozone layer protects the earth from the harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun.  So protecting it is vital, and proper refrigeration and air conditioning service is a vital part of this protection.  Many synthetic chemicals commonly used as refrigerants refrigeration and air conditioning servicedestroy the ozone layer if they are improperly released during refrigeration and air conditioning service.  These chemicals include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).  In fact, it is believe that release of these chemicals during poorly managed refrigeration and air conditioning service contributed to the “ozone hole” that now exists over the South Pole.

Additionally, many of these same ozone depleting substances (ODS) are believed to be greenhouse gases that are contributing to climate change.  So when they are irresponsibly released during shoddy refrigeration and air conditioning service there is a double hit to the environment.  These are the main reasons behind section 608 of The Clean Air Act which specifically prohibits the release of CFCs, HCFCs, their blends, and substitute refrigerants during refrigeration and air conditioning service.

Section 608 of The Clean Air Act has the following regulatory requirements:

  • Technician Certification-technicians performing refrigeration and air conditioning service must meet EPA certification criteria by passing an EPA approved exam.

  • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Service Requirements-technicians must evacuate equipment to established vacuum levels during service and disposal of refrigerants.

  • Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling Equipment-equipment used during service must be certified by EPA approved testing.

  • Refrigerant Leaks-there are specific EPA standards that are enforced for leak repair during refrigeration and air conditioning service.

  • Refrigerant Sales Restrictions-sale of ODS refrigerants is restricted to certified technicians.

  • Major Record Keeping Requirements-all parties involved in refrigeration and air conditioning service must maintain records documenting dates, refrigerant charge amounts, and related service information.  This includes technicians, equipment owners, and operators of large refrigeration and air conditioning service and equipment sales companies.

  • Safe Disposal Requirements-when refrigeration and air conditioning equipment is taken out of service the final person in the disposal chain must ensure that all refrigerants have been removed from the equipment prior to disposal.

In support of Section 608 of The Clean Air Act the EPA is performing random inspections, responding to tips, and pursuing potential violations.  They are authorized to assess fines of up to $37,500 per day for any violation of these regulations.

It is vital that proper refrigeration and air conditioning service is performed on your equipment not only to protect the environment but also to avoid potentially costly fines.

The Importance Of Commercial Refrigeration Service

Commercial Refrigeration Walk-In Scheduled Maintenance

Most commercial refrigeration walk-ins seem indestructible, but you can extend their life by following the manufacturer’s safety tips and maintenance schedule.  Walk-in coolers and freezers are made for storing larger quantities of food.  If there is lots of in and out traffic in your commercial refrigeration walk-in then there are important maintenance procedures to follow.

Some Maintenance Tricks for Commercial Refrigeration

The door gaskets are usually made of rubber.  So they can break down quicker and easier if they are not cleaned regularly and get caked with food or grease.  This leads to leaks in the door seals which will result in the operating efficiency of your commercial refrigeration walk-in being reduced and your energy costs going up.  Door seals can be easily cleaned to extend their life with baking soda and warm water.  It’s suggested that you don’t use harsh chemical cleansers as this will dry out the rubber.

commercial refrigerationDoor hinges for your commercial refrigeration walk-in can be rubbed with petroleum jelly to make sure they continue to work well.  If these develop a build-up of grease or grime, then their operation will not remain smooth.  This means they will begin to stick resulting in your doors not closing automatically and the cold air escaping.  Again this will result in lower efficiency for your commercial refrigeration walk-in and higher energy costs.

Dirty coils on the refrigeration unit will also make the commercial refrigeration walk-in run less efficiently as the transfer of heat through the coils doesn’t occur as effectively as for clean coils.  This makes the compressor work overtime to maintain the desired temperature of your perishable food items which means the service life of the compressor motor will be reduced.  By frequently cleaning the dust and grime off of your commercial refrigeration coils you’ll reduce the time your compressor needs to run and thereby help your commercial refrigeration run more efficiently.

Cleanliness in Your Commercial Refrigeration Unit is Important

The floors of your commercial refrigeration walk-in should also be kept clean.  This is for safety reasons as well as for health concerns.  If there is lots of foot traffic in and out of the unit, food and other stored items can get dropped.  If they are not cleaned out regularly they can build up causing trip hazards as well as slippery floors.  Not only that, they could begin to rot and develop a bacteria issue.  Walk-in floors should be damp-mopped, but never hosed out.  Excessive water can get into the seals between the floor panels and damage the insulation.  Without proper insulation, your commercial refrigeration will not run as efficiently as it could.

Proper maintenance of your commercial refrigeration walk-in can extend its service life and reduce the operating costs.  Following a regular maintenance schedule will help you keep your commercial refrigeration operating properly and keep your operating costs down.