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?
21 July 2025
When it comes to maintaining the comfort of residential communities and commercial properties in Sarasota, few things are as important as a reliable, well-maintained air conditioning system. That’s why so many property managers and community associat...
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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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Have you been putting off maintenance on your AC system? With a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic that made travel all but impossible for several months and mortgage rates at historic lows, many of us (simu...
15 April 2020
Sean McCutcheon’s Air Conditioning and Heating is proud to have been chosen one of the 2020 Best of SRQ Local by the readers SRQ Magazine.