Help save the environment while keeping cool. Running your home’s AC unit during the summer will not only keep you comfortable, but it can also help save the environment if it contains the latest friendly refrigerant.According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), most air conditioners use refrigerant R-22, which adds to the problem of global climate change. So, when it comes time to decide how to replace your outdated air conditioning unit, select one that uses eco-friendly R-410A.

R-410A is a new environmentally safe liquid coolant that makes air conditioning possible. It was developed as an alternative to R-22, also known as Freon, which will be phased out in the near future along with other ozone depleting chemicals.

R-410A is economically and environmentally beneficial, which makes it a smart choice for future air conditioning units,” stated an industry leader. “If someone is considering a new air conditioning system today, they should think about switching over to R410A to help avoid future costs associated with servicing the old R-22 systems.”

As of January 2010, R-22 will only be allowed for use in servicing existing equipment, not in the production of new equipment. Furthermore, as of January 1, 2020, chemical manufacturers will no longer be able to produce R-22 at all, leaving consumers with no choice but to look to alternatives.

Additional benefits of installing an R-410A unit:

• R-410A uses a synthetic lubricant that is more soluble so it can mix and circulate more efficiently to keep the compressor and other moving parts lubricated, reducing wear and extending their life.
• It incorporates smaller, heavier duty “scroll-type” compressors that are quieter and operate with less damaging vibration than older compressors which operate on R-22.
• Compressors with R-410A run cooler, reducing the risk of burnout due to overheating.
• Economically beneficial, it allows higher heat transfer than R-22, which results in a more efficient operation.
• R-410A does not contain chlorine, therefore it is not damaging to the ozone layer.
• The price of current AC unit repairs may increase as R-22 supplies dwindle over the next 20 years.

Although R-410A units are more expensive than units that run on R-22, tax refunds may be available for buying the energy efficient product. The extra money you spend investing on these new systems, the more you are investing in your future. Contact Al Fowler at 713.620.8307 if you have more questions regarding this new R-410A refrigerant.

Ductwork is composed of two parts, supply and return. Supply duct is attached to the outflow of the new system, delivering air to each zone in a home. The amount of air reaching each zone is determined by the size of supply ductwork connecting it to your system. Your dealer will help you determine the size of all the supply ductwork in your home.

The second part of the ductwork, the return duct, attaches to the inlet of the new system and draws air out of the spaces to be heated or cooled. Attached to the return duct is the filter. The filter should be placed as near to the furnace or air handler as possible. Ductwork can be either fiberglass or metal and must be properly sized in order to evenly distribute the proper amount of air to each room.

An HVAC system should:

1. Be properly sized to provide correct air flow, and meet room-by-room calculated heating and cooling loads.
2. Be installed so that the static air pressure drop across the handler is within manufacturer and design specifications to have the capacity to meet the calculated loads.
3. Have sealed supply ductwork that will provide proper air flow.
4. Be installed with a return system sized to provide correct return air flow.
5. Have sealed return ductwork that will provide proper air flow to the fan, and avoid air entering the HVAC system from polluted zones (e.g., fumes from autos and stored chemicals, and attic particulates).
6. Have balanced air flows between supply and return systems to maintain neutral pressure in the home.
7. Minimize duct air temperature gain or loss between the air handler and room registers, and between return registers and the air handler.
8. Be properly charged with refrigerant.
9. Have proper burner operation and proper draft.