Notes the concern of the US Department of Energy about the energy-efficiency impacts of alternative chemical compounds and technologies that may be used as substitutes for CFC11 and CFC12 as refrigerants and blowing agents. Discusses the possible increase in US energy use resulting from the replacement of CFCs with alternative compounds. Concludes that significant increases in energy use could occur, particularly in refrigerator/freezers, water heaters and commercial buildings.

KEYWORDS: Energy consumption, USA, refrigeration, refrigerators, R12, freezers, thermal foaming agents, cellular, thermal insulation, USA, R11, refrigerants, insulation.