How can the latest HVAC technology training help reduce the impact of global warming?
HVAC technicians can directly help to reduce greenhouse emissions. Since chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are still being phased out of refrigeration units, the need for technicians who have had current training at an HVAC trade school program is quite significant. HVAC system designs created today do not use CFCs to cool, but there still exist units that do use CFCs.
Trained technicians know how to handle dangerous chemicals and how to upgrade the systems to be more environmentally-friendly -- a subject often covered by The Refrigeration School, Inc. in Phoenix, Arizona. Companies should take advantage of technicians with vocational training and refrigeration knowledge to save themselves money – and, to save glaciers and polar ice caps from melting.
The news reports tell us of environmental crises like melting glaciers and rising sea levels. A hole in the ozone layer could cause us to get cancer faster, but why does the amount of water on the earth really matter? Variations in precipitation over extended amounts of time can produce more droughts and flooding, which could affect the agriculture the land is able to produce, fresh water availability, and potentially, the lives of many animal species.
How can a company reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
- Perform regular mechanical maintenance on HVAC systems
- Fix refrigerant leaks quickly
- Replace old HVAC systems in favor of the latest HVAC technology
Older air conditioning systems leak, and can emit dangerous refrigerants. Companies should make sure their air conditioning systems are maintained regularly and fixed quickly when there are problems. Trained HVAC professionals, even those coming right out of trade school, can take care of these systems well; save a company from large financial expenses, and save the environment from unnecessary pollution. Maintaining the heating and cooling systems will also help the units to run more efficiently, using less energy -- and therefore, costing less. Older HVAC systems should be replaced. Newer models are smaller and function more efficiently than larger, older models. The long-term financial gains of a newly designed system outweigh the initial purchase price.
What is the US doing to decrease global warming?
Since February of 2007, The Western Climate Initiative has been coming up with ways to reduce gas emissions. The initiative includes states in the western United States and several provinces in Canada. Arizona's Climate Change Advisory Group found that greenhouse gas emissions had increased 56% from 1990 to 2005 in AZ -- and it's time for something to be done to fix that.
Refrigerants with low potential to exacerbate global warming are being developed to improve greenhouse gas emissions produced by air conditioning systems in cars. The current refrigerant used in cars, HFC-134a, may be banned in Europe and possibly California in the upcoming years. New refrigerants are still being tested, as well. In addition to helping the environment, new types of refrigerants could drive competition in the industry, and contribute to stimulating the sluggish American economy.
What every company should know about HVAC mechanical maintenance and global warming
Arizona's Climate Change Advisory Group believes that if greenhouse emissions can decrease, the economy will benefit, even if the immediate effects on global warming will take a while to see. Lower greenhouse gas emissions will save energy resources. As fuel demand falls, prices should too – a boon for businesses. If companies can cut costs, they can expand and hire more staff. It is in a company's best interest to have regular mechanical maintenance performed on its HVAC system.
Not all of the photos on
this website were taken at the school; they are meant to be
illustrative of some of the career activities. |
