2 minutes reading time
(327 words)
More Environmentally Friendly Refrigerants are Coming
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 transition to more environmentally friendly products, like Puron® (R-410A), which concluded in 2020.
Designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out substances, like the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in Freon, the Montreal Protocol has undergone nine revisions since it went into effect in 1989. The Kigali Amendment, its most recent revision, gradually reduces the consumption and production of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), including Puron, and that means that another phase out is underway.
Signed into law in December of 2020, the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM) mandates the reduction of HFCs by 85% over the next 15 years. Several states, including California, have more aggressive timelines that are sure to influence the speed at which residential HVAC manufacturers phase out refrigerants with a high Global Warming Potential (GWP).
Carrier has already announced that, starting in 2023, all residential air conditioning systems manufactured in North America will use a Puron Advance™ (R-454-b), a refrigerant blend with considerably lower GWP than its predecessors. Other manufacturers are expected to follow suit.
What does this mean for you?
In addition to being more environmentally friendly, these refrigerants are thought to be more energy efficient, so the operating cost of the newer units is expected to be lower, but it’s not all good news…
These new refrigerant alternatives are mildly flammable, requiring building code changes, special equipment to minimize risk, and additional training for the HVAC technicians. The additional precautions will also make installations and repairs take longer. With another phase out on the horizon, the decision to repair or replace older units will also be affected.
The highly trained technicians at Sean McCutcheon's Air Conditioning and Heating are NATE Certified and they stay up to date with the newest products and technologies. As systems become more complicated, these qualities are more important than ever.
Stay Informed
When you subscribe to the blog, we will send you an e-mail when there are new updates on the site so you wouldn't miss them.
About the author
Comment for this post has been locked by admin.
Comments
25 October 2024
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
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
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
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
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...
10 May 2015
Most of us rely on technology to help manage our daily lives more efficiently, so connecting our HVAC system to the internet may be the next logical step. You can stay connected to your business or re...
30 November 2022
Bottom Line: New energy efficiency standards for air conditioners, heat pumps and furnaces are going into effect this January 1, 2023 and that means air conditioning prices are going up so, if you’re ...