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?
02 April 2025
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...
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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...
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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
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
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...
28 March 2019
With Sarasota summer right around the corner our air conditioners will soon be working much harder to keep us cool. Just like normal upkeep on your car, your Sarasota air conditioning needs regular ma...
17 February 2025
At Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. (SMAC), we have extensive experience partnering with Sarasota-area property managers and community associations to ensure their HVAC systems run...