For Immediate Release
Contact: Courtney Nogas, AHRI Public Affairs
Direct: 703.600.0377
AHRI Launches Web site to Address Misinformation Surrounding the Phaseout of HCFC Refrigerants
Arlington, VA (April 29, 2009)- The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) announced today the launch of a Web site, www.PhaseOutFacts.org, designed to 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 an all-encompassing 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 regarding refrigerants, 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 trusted 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.
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."
The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) is the trade association representing manufacturers of air conditioning, heating and commercial refrigeration equipment. An internationally recognized advocate for the industry, AHRI develops standards for and certifies the performance of many of these products. AHRI's 300+ member companies account for more than 90 percent of the residential and commercial air conditioning, space heating, water heating and commercial refrigeration equipment manufactured and sold in North America.