How the Ban on Ozone-Depleting Refrigerants Effects You

What You Need To Know About New R-22 Freon Laws

This year, 2013, is the first year that there will not be enough R-22 refrigerant produced to meet residential demand. You and I both know that when supply tightens up prices rise. Freon is already expensive. So plan on prices rising this summer and over the coming years.

 

Ozone-depleting R-22 Refrigerant

 

But terms like R-22 are a little technical, let me explain; R-22 has been the refrigerant of choice for residential heat pump and air-conditioning systems for more than four decades. Unfortunately for the environment, R-22 contributes to ozone depletion. In addition, R-22 is a greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to global warming.

What is being done to keep us cool? 

 

As R-22 is phased out over the coming years manufacturers of residential air conditioning systems are offering equipment that uses ozone-friendly refrigerants. Many homeowners may be misinformed about how much longer R-22 will be available to service their central A/C systems and heat pumps. Homeowners need information about the transition when deciding whether to purchase a new A/C system or heat pump, or when having an existing system repaired.

Existing units using R-22 can continue to be serviced with R-22. There is no EPA requirement for homeowners to change or convert R-22 units for use with a non-ozone-depleting substitute refrigerant.

New refrigerants have been developed and many companies are using them to replace R-22 in existing systems. Such changes, called "retrofits," are allowed if the alternative has been found acceptable for that type of use.

WARNING: Use a reputable Air Conditioning contractor

One important thing a homeowner can do for the environment, regardless of the refrigerant used, is to select a reputable dealer that employs service technicians who are EPA-certified to handle refrigerants. Technicians often call this certification "Section 608 certification," referring to the part of the Clean Air Act that requires minimizing releases of ozone-depleting chemicals from HVAC equipment.

A Reputable Air Conditioning Contractor will take the time to learn and train their service technicians how to properly retrofit an air conditioning system with ozone friendly refrigerant.

There are steps that need to be taken and a specific way these retrofits need to be handled so extra training is required to be able to properly provide new safer refrigerant.

If your home or business is located in the DFW area Supreme Air Service technicians are all trained in the replacement of R-22 and they can be reached by calling (214) 310-1680.

 

Have a great day!

 

Learn Why Dirty A/C Coils Are a Real Problem

When your cooling system has dirty A/C coils, you’re paying more to cool your home and getting less cooling than you’re paying for.

An air conditioner doesn’t add coolness to the inside of your house; it removes heat. What’s left behind when you take out the heat energy is a cool, comfortable home.

The components that make heat transfer happen are the evaporator and condenser coils. Since these coils are continuously exposed to both indoor and outdoor fan-driven airflow, they easily accumulate layers of dirt and dust that degrade optimal heat transfer.



Indoor evaporator coil

In addition, passages inside the indoor evaporator coil are constantly damp with condensation. Airborne mold spores can find a perfect breeding ground in those wet coil passages. Mold growth inside an evaporator coil can eventually obstruct airflow through the coil.

Outdoor condenser coil

 

While the outdoor condenser coil can be washed down with a garden hose to remove external dust accumulation, do-it-yourself methods seldom reach the interior coil passages where dust and dirt inhibit heat transfer.

 

 

 

 

 

The indoor evaporator coil is even more problematic. Installed inside the air handler, the coil is often a sealed component that’s not user accessible. The expertise of an HVAC technician is required to access the evaporator coil for inspection and cleaning.

 

 

Here are some of the methods a professional will use to clean dirty A/C coils:

• Low pressure air blown through the coil and use of a soft brush can remove minor accumulations. More stubborn deposits require application of special solvents designed for coil cleaning.
• Small low-pressure steam cleaners are also utilized in some cases.
• Pump sprayers can be used to infuse foaming coil cleaner into the interior of the coil. The coil is then flushed clean with fresh water.
• Pressure washers combined with a pre-application of coil cleaning solvents are increasingly the choice of professionals. These are followed by pressure rinsing with clean water.

 

Supreme Air Services has been the DFW's premier source of HVAC sales and service since 1975. Ask us about professional services to clean your dirty A/C coils just in time for another long cooling season.

 

Call today for an appointment 214-310-1680.

 

Have a great day!