Articles by Ron Rajecki

Editor's Blog ACHR NEWS

The Dreaded Question

A simple ‘What brand of equipment should I buy?’ leads to a long answer
Ron Rajecki author page
Ron Rajecki
November 10, 2017
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When it comes time to replace an HVAC system, I understand that most people just want a simple answer. For one thing, a new furnace and air conditioner is a big investment. In addition, it’s not something people buy often, so not many people are familiar with the product s or the process.
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recovery cylinders

The Case of the Missing R-22

While reclaim goals fall short, the industry speculates about the whereabouts of the absent gas
Ron Rajecki author page
Ron Rajecki
November 6, 2017
2 Comments
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 10,804,918 pounds of ozone-depleting refrigerant was reported as reclaimed by EPA-certified reclaimers in 2016. That total includes 9,409,494 pounds of hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)-22 or R-22.
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FROSTlines news ACHR NEWS

How Does the Black Hat Look on Arkema?

Global business director says the SNAP lawsuit is about options, choices, and a smooth transition
Ron Rajecki author page
Ron Rajecki
October 30, 2017
One Comment
Arkema is widely seen as wearing the black hat in the refrigeration industry right now, thanks to the lawsuit in which it and Mexichem Fluor petitioned a U.S. court of appeals to review the EPA’s 2015 rule in which HFCs were targeted under Section 612 of the Clean Air Act.
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R-22 to replacement refrigerants

R-22 Conversions Increase as EPA Phaseout Tightens Supply

Replacement refrigerants must be carefully considered
Ron Rajecki author page
Ron Rajecki
October 9, 2017
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Converting residential air conditioning equipment that uses R-22 to a replacement refrigerant is seen by many contractors and homeowners as a good way to extend the life of the system while removing R-22 from the picture. There are a number of replacement refrigerants to choose from, but with any replacement, it’s important to remember that the refrigerant is only half of the equation.
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formation thermal conductivity (FTC) test

Commercial Geothermal Contractors Stay Upbeat

Geothermal continues to be a worthwhile investment for the right customers in the right applications
Ron Rajecki author page
Ron Rajecki
October 9, 2017
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Both the commercial and residential geothermal markets have felt the sting of the loss of federal tax credits for geothermal projects, but contractors on the commercial side remain reasonably upbeat about their market’s outlook.
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commercial geothermal market

Commercial Geothermal Still Finding a Receptive Audience

Building owners are opting for geothermal technologies, even without tax credits
Ron Rajecki author page
Ron Rajecki
October 9, 2017
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It’s not unusual for one to wake up with a headache on Jan. 1, but the headache that greeted the geothermal industry on Jan. 1, 2017, wasn’t caused by excessive late-night celebration. On that date, geothermal systems lost their 10 percent investment tax credit under Section 48 of the Internal Revenue Code (which covers energy tax credits).
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FROSTlines news ACHR NEWS

Two Views of the DC Court’s HFC Ruling

The EPA can’t use SNAP to phase down HFCs –is that a pointless sidetrack or a wise slowdown?
Ron Rajecki author page
Ron Rajecki
September 5, 2017
3 Comments

It is said that every story has two sides, and two recent conversations I had with estimable members of the refrigeration industry vividly illustrated that. Both of these gentlemen have been involved in the industry for a long time -- one on the supplier side and one on the contracting side. The topic of both conversations was the ruling by a United States court of appeals that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cannot ban the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under Section 612 of the Clean Air Act. The topic was the same, but the conversations were very different.


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