The following frequently asked questions will help homeowners make informed decisions when purchasing, servicing, or disposing of home air conditioners or other equipment that could contain ozone-depleting substances (). A fact sheet on repairing or purchasing a new new home air conditioner or heat pump is also available. It depends on the age of your unit. If you have a home air conditioner that was manufactured before January 1, 2010, it probably uses a refrigerant called hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)-22 (also known as R-22). Because HCFC-22 depletes the Earth’s protective ozone layer, EPA regulations are gradually reducing the production and use of this refrigerant. In fact, manufacturers can no longer make new air conditioners that use HCFC-22. However, HCFC-22 can still be used to service existing air conditioners. The refrigerant used in your home air conditioner is typically listed on the unit’s nameplate. For central air conditioners, the nameplate is usually on the outdoor condenser.

If there is no nameplate, check your owner's manual or contact the person or company that sold or services your air conditioner. If you know the manufacturer and model number, you could also call the manufacturer or check its website. As of January 1, 2010, EPA has prohibited the manufacture and installation of new HCFC-22 appliances. So, you can no longer purchase a central air-conditioning unit that uses HCFC-22. However, you can continue to service your existing HCFC-22 system. You can also purchase a “self-contained” system (typically, a window unit) if is second-hand and/or was produced prior to 2010. Keep in mind that supplies of HCFC-22 are expected to become more limited in the years ahead as this refrigerant is phased out of production. Yes, a number of ozone-friendly refrigerants are available and widely used today. The most common alternative is R-410A, which is known by trade names such as GENETRON AZ-20®, SUVA 410A®, Forane® 410A, and Puron®. While R-410A is not ozone-depleting, it does contribute to climate change and should be handled appropriately.

EPA maintains a full list of acceptable substitutes for household and light commercial air-conditioning.You will not have to stop using HCFC-22, and you will not have to replace existing equipment just to switch to a new refrigerant. The switch to ozone-friendly refrigerants is occurring gradually to allow consumers time to replace air conditioners on a normal schedule. But, supplies of HCFC-22 will be more limited and more expensive in the years ahead as the refrigerant is phased out of production. Starting in 2020, new HCFC-22 can no longer be produced, so consumers will need to rely on reclaimed and previously-produced quantities to service any home air-conditioning systems still operating after that date.EPA regulations allow owners of existing HCFC-22 home air conditioners to replace their condensing unit with a new one if it breaks or is damaged. However, the HCFC-22 condensing units must meet regional efficiency standards when tested in accordance with DOE’s recently-published test procedure.

Condensing units installed in the Southeast and Southwest are now subject to higher efficiency standards.  As a result, availability of HCFC-22 condensing units may be limited in future.  If you have questions about DOE’s efficiency standards for central air conditioners, contact DOE at central_air_conditioners_and_heat_pumps@EE.Doe.Govwindow ac units for large windows The most important step you can take is to maintain your unit properly. window ac unit calculatorMajor leaks rarely develop in properly installed and regularly maintained units. portable ac units and carbon monoxideIf your air conditioner leaks, ask your service technicians to locate and repair the leak instead of "topping it off." Repairing leaks will keep your system operating at its best, while reducing refrigerant emissions and energy use.

You can also save money by avoiding additional repairs in the future. Work with reputable dealers that employ service technicians who are EPA-certified to handle refrigerants used in air conditioners. Technicians often call this certification "Section 608 certification," which refers to a portion of the Clean Air Act. When speaking with an air-conditioning service company, ask if their technicians are Section 608-certified. You can also ask a service technician to show you his/her certification card. If your air conditioner contains alternative refrigerants, the service technician should be trained in their use. You have a number of options. If you purchase a new appliance, such as a refrigerator or freezer, the retailer will likely remove the old one. Many governments and private organizations also will arrange for curbside pickup of appliances. Do not tamper with an appliance before it is disposed of, such as by cutting refrigerant lines or remove compressors. EPA requires the safe disposal of ozone-depleting refrigerants in appliances so they do not harm the environment.

You can learn more through EPA’s Responsible Appliance Disposal program.Muhlenberg College > Student Life > Residential Services > Housing Services > AC Policy Muhlenberg College Air Conditioner Policy Purpose The purpose of this policy is to provide information for the Muhlenberg College community on the requirements for eligibility for air conditioning in student housing, the guidelines for window units and the process for having a unit installed. Policy A request for air conditioning with appropriate documentation must be submitted to Student Health Services (Fax #484-664-3522). All requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and documentation of a need for air conditioning does not guarantee that your application will be approved. Also, there is no guarantee that you will be housed in an area equipped with central air. If you select to live in a residence hall without central air, you need to provide your own window unit. Requirements and Process Documentation from the physician providing care is required indicating a need for air conditioning.

The student or the student's physician must provide documentation to the Director of Student Health Services (Fax #484-664-3522). Approvals are determined on a case by case basis by the Director of Student Health Services, and are dependent upon the documentation received relative to the severity of illness and the availability of rooms that are centrally air conditioned or have the capability of supporting a window AC unit. The documentation must include the diagnosis, treatment plan, and any additional information that would support the need for this intervention. Physician notes on a prescription such as "Please provide an air conditioner for my patient due to allergies" will not be accepted as documenting the need. Priority will be given to those students who have provided documented evidence of exacerbation of chronic respiratory diseases including asthma, chronic medical conditions, and those receiving allergy injections on a regular basis. Documentation needs to be up dated each year to maintain eligibility. 

All request must be received by June 5th for the following academic year. The College uses ADA standards to determine pre-lottery housing. Simply needing air conditioning is not a reason to be housed before the campus body. Residence Halls with Central Air Benfer Hall - 8 person suite styled building, once heat is on AC does not work, suites need to be filled in order to live in this building, houses upper-class students Taylor Hall - double rooms with heat and AC systems that work independently, houses upper-class students Robertson and South Halls - 4 person suite styled building, systems work independently, suites need to be filled in order to live in these buildings, A/C outdoor unit does not work when outdoor air temperature is 47F or lower, houses upper-class students The Village - 4 and 5 person suite styled building, systems work independently, suites need to be filled in order to live in these buildings, houses upper-class students Walz Hall - double rooms, once heat is on AC does not work on first 3 floors, houses first year students

2201 Chew St - 4 person suite styled building, systems work independently, suites need to be filled in order to live in these buildings, houses upper-class students Prosser Hall Ground Annex. East Hall- double,single and triple rooms with heat and AC systems that work independently. Residence Halls where window units can be installed Brown Hall Martin Luther Hall Window Unit Requirements: No higher than 14" No more than 120 volts No more than 7000 BTUs Must be Energy Star rated (Read the President's Greening Committee Statement regarding this requirement) Need extension cord that is 12-3 wire with a ground for A/C units. The College does not provide extension cords. Installation Information In order to ensure window units are installed correctly, the Plant Operations staff must install them. Once you have been approved by the Health Center, you will receive an email reminding you of what needs to occur. Requests approved once the school year has started will normally be installed within a 3 business day period.