Cooling Refrigerants

 

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Refrigerants are what make href="/air-conditioner-ottawa/">air conditioning possible. Contained within the coils of an href="/air-conditioner-ottawa/">air conditioner, these liquid agents cool and dehumidify indoor air. For years, the most common refrigerant used inhref="/air-conditioner-ottawa/"> air-conditioning systems was R-22 (Freon).

Today, in response to growing environmental concerns, production of systems using R-22 refrigerant is being phased out. Meanwhile, Lennox is leading the industry in introducing systems that use an environmentally friendly alternative to R-22.

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R-22. The old standard.

Acting in accordance with an international treaty called the Montreal Protocol, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has mandated the phaseout of R-22 through the Clean Air Act. As of 2010, the manufacture of systems using R-22 refrigerant will be prohibited, and by 2020 the production of R-22 itself must cease.

The main reason for this regulatory action is that R-22 is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) compound, which contains ozone-depleting chlorine.

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R-410A. The refrigerant of the future.

Lennox has now transitioned to the manufacture of href="/air-conditioner-ottawa/">cooling systems that use the EPA-recognized chlorine-free R-410A refrigerant. Because R-410A contains no chlorine, it is considered ozone-friendly.

Lennox’ high efficiency Air Conditioning systems are designed to use R-410A refrigerant, therefore providing an economic benefit in addition to the environmental benefit. Lennox’ R-410A systems are also known for improved reliability, quieter operation, improved dehumidification and enhanced heat pump performance.

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Additional considerations

Availability

Even though HVAC manufacturers are required to phase out production of R-22 equipment, use of R-22 refrigerant is still permissible in systems manufactured prior to 2010. However, availability of R-22 supplies may become short in the coming years. So by choosing an R-410A system now, you are wisely planning ahead with an ozone-friendly solution.

Installation and servicing

R-410A systems are only capable of delivering environmental and energy savings when properly installed and serviced. Lennox dealers employ skilled technicians who are specifically trained and certified to work with R-410A systems.

System matching

If you purchase an href="/air-conditioner-ottawa/">air conditioner that uses R-410A, your HVAC technician will need to inspect your indoor unit to see if it meets the performance requirements of the R-410A system. If the indoor unit is older, it will likely need replacing.

Retrofitting

R-410A cannot be substituted into existing systems designed to use R-22 refrigerant. Use of R-410A in any href="/air-conditioner-ottawa/">cooling system not specifically designed for this new refrigerant can damage the equipment or cause it to malfunction.

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To learn more about Refrigerants, Contact Climate Works Today!