It seems that the marketplace is finally ready to be green. When it comes to vehicle air conditioning service, potential customers are looking for service centers that have highly trained technicians and the proper equipment to provide environmentally friendly air conditioning service.
The Mobile Air Conditioning
Society (MACS) Worldwide and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have
developed the Automotive A/C Climate Protection Pledge to help qualifying
service centers be recognized for their environmental leadership in performing
proper environmental mobile A/C service. (Fig. 6)
American interest in the
environment has grown recently. According to the 2009 Cone Consumer
Environmental Survey:
·
35% of Americans have
higher interest in the environment today than they did one year ago
·
35% of Americans have
higher expectations for companies to make and sell environmentally responsible
products and services
· 70% of Americans indicate that they are paying attention to what companies are doing with regard to the environment today
Service centers completing
the Automotive A/C Climate Protection Pledge commit to:
·
Use required tools and
equipment
·
Train technicians in
Best Practices
·
Promote repairing of
leaks and discourage recharge of leaking systems
·
Certify that all
contaminated refrigerant collected is sent to a certified reclaimer
·
Set continuous
improvement goals
·
Allow EPA to review
pledge-related publicity materials (signs, press releases, advertisements,
etc.) before they are released
·
Upgrade R/R/R equipment,
leak detectors
·
Establish a tool and
equipment maintenance program
·
Establish a procedure
for removal of refrigerant heels
· Train service writers or others who greet customers to explain the economic and environmental advantages of having leaks repaired rather than just having the A/C system "topped off"
Required Equipment
·
SAE J2788 RRR Equipment
·
Refrigerant Identifier
·
Electronic Leak Detector
·
Ultraviolet Dye Leak
Detecting System
·
R134a Manifold Gauges
·
Vacuum Pump (stand-alone
or built into R/R/R equipment)
·
Temperature Measuring
Devices (digital thermometer, digital pyrometer, infrared thermometer)
·
Hose Repair Crimping
Tool (if shop makes own hose assemblies)
·
Spring Lock Coupling
Service Tools
·
A/C Fitting Service
Tools
·
Orifice Tube Service
Tools
· Service Information Resources (manuals, specification books, computerized information, etc.)
Technician Training
All A/C technicians are encouraged to complete a self-study training program focusing on best practices for leak detection, service and repair, and refrigerant conservation. These practices are designed to promote shop savings and efficiency, consumer satisfaction and environmental protection.
The Best Service Practices Study Course booklet, additional training information, A/C service pledge exam and the pledge application are available on the MACS website at www.macsw.org.
Take the Pledge
To take the Climate Protection Pledge
1.
Go to www.macsw.org and
click the Climate Protection Pledge link to download the Best Service Practices
Study Course. (All A/C technicians should study this booklet).
2. Log in to the MACS website to take the Auto A/C Climate Protection Pledge Exam and Pledge. (If you're not a member, log in and create a profile.) There is no charge for the exam.
If you have met the requirements, you will be notified, your shop will be added to a "shop locator" list available to mobile A/C repair customers and you will receive information on how you can promote the U.S. EPA's recognition to mobile A/C repair customers.
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