Puron Refrigerant A Far Superior Collant Quickly Replacing R-22 In Air Conditioners and Refrigerators
Freon, often known by the name R-22 or Freon 22, was deemed to be a hazardous refrigerant by the Clean Air Act of 1990. Freon is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), a harmful man-made substance that has been shown to damage the ozone layer and threaten human health.
When Freon enters the atmosphere, chemical reactions occur with the sun's UV radiation. The resulting breakdown releases separate chemicals, most notably chlorine, that then react with and degrade ozone. As ozone disappears, an increasingly large amount of UV radiation is able to penetrate the atmosphere, contributing to major issues like global warming and skin cancer.
The refrigerant is also unsafe for humans and animals, although accidental exposure is rare. Freon is heavier than air, so it can displace oxygen in the lungs and stay there, causing asphyxiation and death. Furthermore, like all HCFCs, Freon is toxic. Effects of exposure can include cardiac arrhythmias, dizziness, loss of consciousness and central nervous system suppression at concentrations of only 11 percent. This presents an especially worrying problem due to Freon's chemical nature. As a colorless and odorless gas, it cannot be detected by sight or smell if it is leaking from an appliance.
Due to these factors, the use of Freon as a refrigerant is being gradually eliminated. Instead, authorities and industry leaders are now suggesting that homeowners switch to the new Puron refrigerant for their cooling needs.
Puron also goes by the name of R-410a. It has won approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an ideal replacement for Freon 22 and is the first refrigerant on the market to address ozone depletion.
Phasing Out Freon 22
Freon is still found today in the vast majority of American homes. Nonetheless, under the Montreal Protocol, steps have put in place to gradually ease the country out of its dependence on Freon and ultimately abolish its production and use.
Between 1996 and 2004, the production of Freon 22 fell by 35 percent. In 2010, Freon production was further cut by between 65 and 75 percent, which, with unanimous support, was sped up by ten percent at the Montreal Protocol Agreement's 20th anniversary in 2007. Moreover, the United States government is now requiring producers of Freon to sell exclusively equipment that does not contain R-22. This has caused much industry upheaval as companies rush to change their practices in order to comply with the law.
By 2015, experts want to see Freon production fall by 90 percent. Their hope is that, by the year 2020, Freon use will be phased out almost completely. Naturally, as R-22 is becoming more scarce, the costs per-pound of the gas are expected to rise sharply because of supply and demand.
This isn't the first time this has happened. Worried about its effects on the environment, the government worked to phase out another ozone-depleting automotive refrigerant, R-12, in the late 1980s. Anyone who possessed a car during this period may recall just how quickly the prices of R-12 spiked, or the financial impact of making upgrades to accommodate the new option. Indeed, between 1990 and 1997, the prices of R-12 refrigerant jumped by a staggering 650 percent.
What It Means For You
You can generally expect to get about 12 years of use out of an air conditioner in Florida, which means:
If you buy an air conditioner today, by the time it's reached the end of its life, Freon manufacture will have been halted, rendering it obsolete.
Freon will continue to be available until 2020, but it's likely to become prohibitively expensive.
Who Manufactures Puron Refrigerant?
So far, there has been only one company that has been an industry leader in manufacturing appliances that utilize Puron, and that is Carrier. Carrier has been offering products that use Puron for almost 18 years, and they've been installed in homes across the country. Appliances that use Puron have been shown to be among the most durable ones available, and they've even gained a national reputation for their dependability.
So far, Puron is used as a refrigerant in over 20,000 active AHRI-rated appliances. You can count on Carrier to offer the quality products you require to help you achieve cutting-edge standards. If it's time to retire your old Freon-containing air conditioner, consider switching to a Puron air conditioner. It's safer for you and the environment, easier on your wallet and will become increasingly relevant technology in the coming years.
Give Mahle Cool Air a call today to find out more about our Puron systems. Call or Text us today for more details (941) 203-7955 and don't forget to check out our specials, financing, and rent-to-own options.
Is Indoor Air Quality Important?
Most people know about the dangers of outdoor pollution. However, the dangers of indoor air pollution are often underestimated. Indoor air is two to five times more polluted than the outside air. In many cases, the air inside is more than 100 times more polluted than the air outside.
Poor indoor quality has been linked to many health problems, such as asthma and allergies. The number of children and adults being diagnosed with these conditions is on the rise. According to the American Lung Association, asthma is the sixth most common chronic health condition. Nearly 40 million people in America suffer from allergies. Improving indoor air quality is one of the things that can be done to manage allergy symptoms.
Allergies and asthma are not the only health problems that have been linked to poor indoor air quality. The American Heart Association has stated poor indoor air quality can increase the risk of heart problems. Poor indoor air quality can also increase the risk of lung cancer. People who already have asthma or another respiratory condition are at an increased risk of suffering complications from poor indoor air quality.
The average person spends 90 percent of their time indoors. The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, has stated that indoor air pollution is one of the top environmental concerns. The average person also inhales at least 15,000 quarts of air every day. The fact that people spend so much time inside and could be exposing themselves to indoor air pollution should be a concern.
The Environmental Protection Agency has conducted studies that have shown indoor air pollution is a common problem in both rural and urban areas. There are many things that can contribute to poor indoor air quality. Many of the cleaning products that people use daily have chemicals that reduce indoor air quality. Even though most people believe their home is the safest place, it is also the place where they get most of their chemical exposure.
Secondhand smoke is another thing that can have a negative effect on indoor air quality. It is estimated that cigarette smoke has over 200 chemicals, including carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. Sixty of these chemicals are known to cause cancer as well as other illnesses.
Mold, dust mites and pet dander can also reduce indoor air quality. Gas, oil, radon, insulation, and pesticides are some of the other things that contribute to poor indoor air quality. Additionally, a poorly-ventilated home can have a negative effect on indoor air quality. Pollutants can enter one's home through the cracks in the foundation.
There are many benefits that can be reaped from good indoor air quality. You will have an easier time breathing if the indoor air quality is good. Poor air quality can cause you to breathe shallowly, which can put a strain on the heart and lungs.
Your sleep quality and quantity will improve if the air quality inside your home is good. Poor indoor air quality can cause respiratory irritation, which will make it much harder for you to get a good night's rest. It can also worsen sleep apnea.
If your HVAC system is not working properly, then this can have a negative effect on indoor air quality. That is why it is important to make sure that your heating, ventilation and cooling system receives regular maintenance. Regular HVAC maintenance not only improves the air quality inside your home, but it can also help conserve energy and cut the cost of electricity.
Our HVAC company provides high-quality AC service. This family owned-company is Bryant Factory Authorized and Nate Certified. This holiday season is an important time to consider calling a Mahle technician for options that will improve the quality of air in your home. Call or Text us today for more details (941) 203-7955 and don't forget to check out our specials, financing, and rent-to-own options.
Do air purifiers really work?
A common question that homeowners in Venice and surrounding areas have is if air purifiers actually work. Some HVAC companies offer air purifier installation and maintenance service and homeowners who are concerned about the state of their home's indoor air quality may be ready to install a new air purifier in their home. With a closer look at what these models can do for your home, you may be able to make a thoughtful and informed decision that is in your best interests.
What Does an Air Purifier Do?
There are several different models of air purifiers that are available on the market today, and there are several different ways that these systems work. A common method found in many systems is for air to circulate through the system. As it passes over the system, the dust, mold spores, and other debris in the air is extracted by an electrostatic charge created by plates inside the system. In this manner, the air that passes through the system is actually cleaner than the air that is going into it. Other models work in a similar way, and most air purifiers are effective at removing particulates from the air as they state they do.
Why They Are Not Completely Helpful?
While air purifiers are effective at removing many particulates from the air, the fact is that they may not remove all of the particulates that most commonly impact the health of you and your loved ones. For example, some particulates that cause allergies actually do not float in the air, and this is due to the weight of those molecules. Many people are allergic to numerous triggers rather than just a few, and many of these triggers are found on the floors, furnishings and other items inside the home. Because of this, these particulates will rarely ever reach the air purifier. More than that, air purifiers typically must be cleaned out, and particulates that were captured by the air purifier may be freed back into the air during the cleaning process.
How Air Purifiers May Harm You?
As you can see, air purifiers are effective at cleaning the air, but they are not fully effective at cleaning your indoor environment in a manner that most believe that they do. More than that, the electrostatic charge in many air purifiers actually can create ozone. Ozone is a type of heavy oxygen that can be unhealthy to you and your family members when it remains inside a confined area like a home. In fact, the moderate health benefits provided by air purifiers through the removal of some particulates from the environment is often counteracted by the unhealthy impact that air purifiers create through the introduction of additional ozone in the home.
How an HVAC Company Can Help You?
If you are disheartened by the news you have received about the benefits of an air purifier, take heart that there are other options available. For example, introducing a HEPA air filtration system into the home can be effective. An HVAC service technician can inspect your HVAC system and your home, and he can inform you about the best course of action to take to improve your home's indoor air. If an air purifier would benefit your home, the HVAC company can recommend the right model for your home and can provide you with installation service.
Indoor air quality is a concern shared by many in the local area, and there is a good reason for this. The air quality in some homes may actually be dirtier and more polluted than the air outside the home in some cases, and this can impact the health of you and your family. While air purifiers are one way to clean the air, there are other options that may be more affordable and more effective. Through a meeting with an HVAC technician, you can learn more about the superior options for improving the air that you breathe while at home.
If you are trying to save money this holiday season, then you should consider calling a Mahle HVAC technician for options that will improve your air quality. Call or Text us today for more details (941) 203-7955 and don't forget to check out our specials, financing, and rent-to-own options.
Poor indoor air quality can cause health problems
Many people are increasingly concerned about air quality, and there is a good reason for this. There are an overwhelming number of pollutants that are found outdoors that can impact your health and well-being. However, many people have an unfortunately false sense of security when they step indoors, and they believe that indoor air quality is superior to the air outdoors.
The fact is that the EPA, or Environmental Protection Agency, has stated that indoor air quality in residences and commercial buildings may actually be more polluted than outdoor air. In fact, your home's air may be more unhealthy to breathe than outdoor air in cities like Los Angeles or Denver, which are known for having air quality issues.
Why Your Home's Air May Be Unhealthy and Polluted
Just as there are sources of outdoor air pollution, there are also sources of indoor air pollution. For example, cigarette smoking, wood burning stoves and even cooking on your kitchen stove may create unhealthy air inside the home. When pollution is created outdoors, there is a huge atmosphere for the particles to expand across, and pollution may be carried away by wind and air currents. Many homes today are well-sealed and highly energy efficient. They are designed to keep climate-controlled air inside the home. The downside to this is that they also prevent pollutants that are produced inside the home from escaping. The result is that the indoor air quality in your home may become increasingly worse over time.
The Most Common Sources of Air Pollution in the Home
Many people who are concerned about indoor air quality invest in air purifiers known as ozone generators, but ozone produced by these devices can have a negative impact on your health. Running these devices can cause ozone levels to rise inside the home. In addition, everything from dust and dust mites to mold, mildew, nitrogen dioxide sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and more are all commonly found in homes, and these have a negative impact on your health and well-being. Keep in mind that heating systems may produce many of these gaseous elements. You may even have formaldehyde from carpeting, furnishings and particle board in your home. Household cleaners are also a common source of indoor air pollution. Your home may also have hazardous elements like asbestos, lead, and radon in it.
Do You Have Poor Indoor Air Quality?
If you are wondering if you have poor indoor air quality, you are not alone. If you or your family members regularly deal with respiratory symptoms that are similar to allergies or colds, you may indeed have poor indoor air quality. In addition, if your home has an unusual or stale odor, if it lacks air movement or if it has a dirty or faulty HVAC system, it may have poor indoor air quality. An air conditioning company can provide you with more information about your indoor air quality as well as the condition of your existing system. In some cases, simply cleaning the system and replacing existing coolant with environmentally friendly AC coolant can be beneficial to you. Your HVAC company may also recommend using a dehumidifier, an air purifier or better air filters with your HVAC system.
Poor indoor air quality is a true problem that can result in coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes and significantly more severe symptoms in some cases. If you are concerned about air quality in your home, the best option is to contact your HVAC company today for a personalized consultation. You can receive customized advice regarding the steps that you can take to improve the quality of air in your home, including using environmentally friendly AC coolant and other options.
If you are interested in improving your indoor air quality contact the Venice Air Conditioning experts at Mahle Cool Air today.
Call or Text us today for more details (941) 203-7955 and don't forget to check out our specials, financing, and rent-to-own options.