Image

McCutcheon Air Conditioning and Heating Blog

Font size: +
1 minute reading time (296 words)

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

 

×
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.

What is Emergency Heat?
Tiny Hands Foundation
Comment for this post has been locked by admin.
 

Comments

02 April 2025
AC Blog
If your ductwork is over 20-30 years old, it might be time to start thinking about a replacement. While it’s easy to overlook, aging or damaged ducts can cause major issues—especially during the summer heat when your AC is working its hardest. One of...
02 April 2025
AC Blog
Living in a condo often comes with the benefit of less exterior maintenance. However, many homeowners don’t realize that some maintenance issues are beyond their direct control—especially when it comes to air conditioning. In many condominiums, AC dr...
24 March 2025
AC Blog
You’ve probably seen advertisements for HVAC maintenance specials as low as $29. While this might seem like a great deal, it’s important to ask yourself—what are you really getting for that price? The reality is that no reputable company can send a q...
14 March 2025
AC Blog
Your home’s return vents play a crucial role in keeping your air conditioning system running efficiently. These vents pull air back into your system, allowing it to properly regulate temperature and airflow. However, if they’re blocked by furniture o...
12 March 2025
AC Blog
Our industry is constantly evolving to meet new regulations, and one of the latest changes is the transition to R-454B refrigerant. While we won’t dive deep into the legislation behind it, the key takeaway is that this change impacts air conditioning...
10 May 2015
AC Blog
Chances are your air conditioning system is out of sight and out of mind, at least until there is a problem. Adjusting the thermostat and changing filters is probably the extent of your integration wi...
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....