HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Earlier this month, a Click2Houston consumer alert warned Houston area homeowners of AC technicians using unapproved refrigerants to recharge older systems. The warning addressed the dangers of using alternatives to R-22 refrigerants, namely R-22A. Alternative fluids can cause costly damage to a homeowner’s air conditioning system and endanger the health and safety of the homeowner and their family.
“Because most of these alternative refrigerants have butane and propane in them, they put the technician, the HVAC system, and the homeowner at risk,” said John Moore HVAC install supervisor Donald Bright of the report. “The best thing a homeowner can do to avoid the use of alternative refrigerants, other than go with a licensed and trusted contractor, is upgrade to a new HVAC system.”
In the next four years an upgrade may be mandatory for homeowners with older systems. R-22, commonly branded as Freon®, is an older refrigerant that the EPA plans to phase out by the year 2020. The reason for this phase-out is that R-22 contains hydro-chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) that deplete the earth’s ozone layer. Every year before 2020, the price of R-22 refrigerant will continue to rise, which is why many smaller HVAC technicians have resorted to using alternative refrigerants like R-22a.
“We advise homeowners to begin seriously thinking about making the change now. Even some of the replacement parts like the compressor, which is the heart of the system, can take weeks to order,” Bright added. “Who wants to wait several weeks without air conditioning? The sooner a homeowner upgrades their outdated system, the sooner they can stop worrying and start saving.”
R-410a, commonly branded as Puron®, has become the new standard refrigerant used in newer air conditioning systems. Systems that use R-410a have many benefits over systems that use R-22: they do not contribute to ozone depletion; they are more durable, significantly reducing the risk of a system overheating or breaking down; and they are up to 30% more efficient, reducing cost of ownership.
Homeowners can begin the upgrade process by researching trusted HVAC brands such as Trane and Amana for systems that use R-410a.
About John Moore
John Moore Services is Houston’s leading comprehensive home services provider.
For more information about the company- including HVAC options and finance plans- visit www.johnmooreservices.com.
