The R-22 Phaseout: The Manufacturers Speak Out

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A2: Arkema's response to the changeover from HCFC-22 has been completely focused on our customer and stakeholder needs. The unique attributes of Arkema's strategy include the following important activities:

1. Arkema has developed a comprehensive supply plan for HCFC-22 to meet our customers' needs for HCFC-22 through the phase-out.

2. Arkema is the only company to have invested in all four HFC components used in the HFC-410A and HFC-404A blends.

3. Arkema has invested in and developed new products and services meeting the anticipated needs of further fluorochemical regulations, including investments in R-1234yf and a new refrigerant (R-22) reclaim service.

A3: Once again, Arkema's efforts are designed to support our customers' needs, which include many HARDI wholesalers. The impact on our customers should be to provide high value products and services to assist them with growing a profitable business through this phase-out.

Arkema's key message to HARDI wholesalers regarding its efforts is centered around three key points:

1. Arkema is confident in our supply plan for HCFC-22 and will look forward to meeting this challenge in 2010.

2. Arkema has invested in the new HFC products that will provide a competitive advantage for customers through the phase-out.

3. Arkema has invested in new products AND services such as R1234yf and the Reclaim program. These investments will provide a long-term competitive AND sustainable advantage for Arkema's customers.

Contact: Craig Thomas, Fluorochemicals Business Manager, Refrigerants, North America, 215/419-7938, craig.thomas@arkema.com.

Aspen Manufacturing

A1: Aspen's most important challenge is maintaining a sufficient inventory of R-22 metering devices, both TXVs and floraters, to ensure that our customers have access to them within normal lead times during the phase-out period. Also, we have seen a much higher than normal influx of performance ratings requests in the last few months, since many new outdoor units are hitting the market in preparation for January 2010. We have added staff in order to keep up with this higher-than-normal demand.

A2: Several years ago, Aspen led the other independent coil manufacturers by undergoing and passing stringent ETL pressure testing of all its coils and air handlers in preparation for this transition. As a result of this process, every Aspen coil and air handler is now certified for use with either refrigerant (provided the metering device is correctly matched). We strongly encourage our customers to insist on ETL or UL-approval when selecting R-410A equipment.

A3: Since Aspen coils can be used with either refrigerant, wholesalers can reduce the number of SKUs they need to stock during the challenging transitional period.

Contact: David Piccione, president, 281/441-6500 x108, dpiccionez@aspenmfg.com.