Image

McCutcheon Air Conditioning and Heating Blog

Environmentally Friendly Refrigerant

ENVIRONMENT BLOG

For many years, Freon-brand R-22 was the refrigerant of choice for residential air-conditioning systems, but we have known for some time now that its manufacture results in a dangerous byproduct that adversely affects the environment and the EPA has been phasing it out for several years.

Since 2010, manufacturers of residential and commercial air conditioning systems have been prohibited from manufacturing equipment that uses R-22 and starting January 1, 2020, the manufacture and import of R-22, which is considered a greenhouse gas, will be banned in the United States.

There is currently no EPA requirement to replace or convert R-22 units for use with a non-ozone-depleting refrigerant so older units can still be serviced with R-22 that has been recovered, recycled and reclaimed, but customers using older equipment will see skyrocketing maintenance costs.

Knowing the impact that this phase out would have on customers with systems that use R-22, Sean McCutcheon’s Air conditioning and Heating began recommending systems that use earth- friendly alternatives like Puron® (R-410A) in 2004.

Unfortunately, not all air conditioning companies were as forthright regarding how long R-22 would be available and customers with older units are now seeing exorbitant maintenance costs. In fact, what little R-22 is still available for purchase has already increased to over $100.00 per lb.

If your Air Conditioning system is more than 10 years old, a new Energy -Star® rated product could save you as much as 40% on your heating and cooling costs and you don’t have to worry about skyrocketing maintenance costs or causing harm to the environment.

If the repair and maintenance costs on your old unit are getting to be too much, call Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating at 941-921-7208. We’ll help you find the perfect unit for your needs.

https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/local/new-air-conditioning-law-could-cost-consumers-cold-cash/1006131702?anvt=127

Continue reading
  23236 Hits
25 October 2024
AC Blog
If your air conditioner is screaming or hissing at you, it probably isn’t full of ghosts, but it’s definitely trying to tell you something… If you live in Florida, you’re probably in a committed relationship with your AC, and you want that relationsh...
23 July 2024
AC Blog
Ensure your air conditioning stays safe from power surges. Invest in a high-quality surge protector from Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. It could save you hundreds of dollars in repair or replacement costs. What is a surge protec...
28 March 2024
AC Blog
You’ve probably heard by now, that Smart Thermostats can reduce your HVAC-related energy consumption by a lot, but energy savings are just the beginning… Before we get into all the bells and whistles, let’s begin by defining our terms… There are 3 ba...
23 January 2024
AC Blog
When it comes to replacing your old air conditioning system in the (usually) balmy Sarasota area, you can turn that old “get it while it’s hot” idiom right on its head… Here in the Suncoast, heating and air conditioning companies are less busy in the...
21 April 2023
AC Blog
In addition to its stated aim of curbing inflation, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) which was signed into law in August of 2022, is the largest federal investment to fight climate change in U.S. history. It accomplishes this by offering tax credits...
07 March 2018
AC Blog
Thank you to all our wonderful clients who took the time to vote for Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating in the Herald-Tribune’s Readers’ Choice poll....
07 April 2022
AC Blog
For years, Freon® (R-22) was synonymous with residential air-conditioning refrigerant. Recognizing that the manufacture of Freon had an adverse effect on the environment, the EPA began a decade-long t...