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Refrigerant is Changing, But Not Disappearing By Randy Arthur President, Arthur Air Conditioning Lots of homeowners are asking us about the federal law requiring a change in refrigerant, the liquid that circulates inside your home air conditioner and cools surrounding air. There are changes coming, but they will not keep your A/C from working now and in the future, nor will they require expensive retrofitting or replacements. For years the most common refrigerant was Dupont Freon™ or chemically similar brands, all called R-22. They contain chlorine, an ozone-depleting chemical. About 180 nations including the United States signed the Montreal Protocol between 1987 and 1999 agreeing to phase out chlorine- and bromine-containing refrigerants. The proper name for a newer alternative is R-410A. After 2010, the U.S. Clean Air Act requires all newly manufactured air conditioners to use R-410A refrigerant (one brand name is Puron™; there are other brands.) The act requires that production of almost all new refrigerant containing chlorine stop by the year 2015. However, you will still be able to buy recycled refrigerant if your system develops a leak, and you’ll be able to switch to the more environmentally friendly R-410 refrigerant (although at about double the cost per pound.) And speaking from a practical point of view, most A/C systems meet their natural deaths between 17 and 25 years of age. (Technological improvements actually make it economically feasible to replace any unit 12 or more years old at this time; efficiency in air conditioning is improving that fast.) Mechanically sound air conditioning systems do not need refrigerant replaced regularly. If your A/C technician is continually pumping refrigerant into your unit, it has a leak that should be fixed. Any properly licensed technician knows this. The industry has stayed ahead of the curve by fitting systems sold today with refrigerant that meets or exceeds the Clean Air Act requirements and uses R-410A refrigerant. So if you are buying a new system today, the point is moot: it will work with R410A, whether it uses it today or not. For homeowners who replaced their systems 2-10 years ago, probably your older system uses a chlorine-containing refrigerant. But not to worry: you’ll be able to obtain the coolant you need at least until 2016, and longer if you are willing to accept recycled product. By that time you’ll likely be thinking replacing your air conditioning because it will be wasting electricity. It’s a complex issue. I’m always happy to discuss air conditioning and environmental issues with anyone, so feel free to call me at 727-535-5817 or email me at rarthur@arthurair.com. |
| Lic: CAC1813999 - Arthur Air Conditioning © 2008 Main Office - 801 Stevens Avenue, Oldsmar, Florida 34677 - Tampa 813.925.3000 Arthur Air is Proud to service these Tampa areas: |
| West Chase, Oldsmar, East Lake, Safety Harbor, Dunedin, Countryside, Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Island Estates, St. Pete Beach, St. Petersburg Beach, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Odessa, Tampa, Davis Islands |
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| Arthur Air Conditioning Inc. Main Office 801 Stevens Ave, Oldsmar, Fl 34677 813.925.3000 or 727.535.5817 Contact Randy Arthur |
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