Need to Know: Servicing Your Air Conditioner
HCFCs and the Ozone Layer
The stratospheric ozone layer shields the Earth from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation. Emissions of certain synthetic chemicals – including CFCs, halons, and HCFCs – destroy the ozone layer, and have created an “ozone hole” over the South Pole.
Through the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, the United States committed to a collaborative, international effort to regulate and phase out ozone-depleting substances. While the US phased out of CFCs and halons in the mid 90’s, we now must first limit HCFC consumption to a specific level and then reduce it in a step-wise fashion.
Phaseout of R-22 and R142b
HCFC-22 (also called R-22) and HCFC-142b are the next two HCFCs that the United States will phase out. The schedule to phase out HCFCs is:
- January 1, 2010
Ban on production and import of HCFC-22 and HCFC-142b except for continuing servicing needs of existing equipment - January 1, 2015
Ban on sale and use of all HCFCs except for certain uses, including continuing servicing needs of refrigeration equipment - January 1, 2020
Ban on remaining production and import of HCFC-22 and HCFC-142b
After 2020, the servicing of systems with R-22 will rely on recycled or stockpiled quantities.
Real Estate Plays A Key Role in Energy Efficiency
- Image via Wikipedia
The real estate sector plays a key role in energy efficiency and conservation.
The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change determined that cost-effective energy efficiency measures in buildings could reduce building emissions by 30% from the 2020 estimated baseline.
Basic improvements include improved building insulation, greater heating and cooling efficiencies, energy-efficient lighting, and energy-efficient appliances.
Learn more about the United Nations’ Sustainable Building & Construction Initiative here.
Spotlight on Water
Our communities are facing greater challenges regarding water supply and infrastructure. How much water does an individual use daily? Find out here!
10 Water Trivia Facts:
- How much of the earth’s surface is water? ?80%
- How much of the earth’s water is suitable for drinking water??1%
- How much water does an individual use daily?? Over 100 gallons (all uses)
- In which room is the most water used? Bathroom
- How much water can you save by turning off the tap while brushing your teeth in the morning and before bedtime? 8 gallons a day
- How much water can a leaky toilet waste each day? 200 gallons
- How much water is used in the average five-minute shower??15-25 gallons
- On the average, how much is used to hand wash dishes?? 9-20 gallons
- How much water is used to produce a single day’s supply of U.S. newsprint? ?300 million gallons
- How much water is used during the growing/production of a single orange??13.8 gallons
Source: Environmental Protection Agency
How is Your Local Water Quality?
Get reports on about Georgia local water quality here.
State Rebates on Water Saving Products
The Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense label makes it easy to identify water-efficient products such as toilets and faucet accessories. Find state rebates here.
Marietta Celebrates 175 Years!
Marietta is celebrating 175 years. We invite you to enjoy Marietta’s long, rich history.
With plenty of parks and green spaces, a well-respected school district and a wide variety of new home choices, more people than ever are choosing to move to Marietta.
Revitalization of the city is underway with a variety of new housing developments, including single-family residences, townhomes and condos, many within a few steps of the vibrant Marietta Square.
