Your Guide to the 2025 HVAC Refrigerant Phase-Out

February 1, 2025

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated that starting January 1st, 2025, only eco-friendly refrigerants will be used in newly manufactured HVAC systems. Here’s what this means to you as a homeowner in the Los Angeles, CA area. The Refrigerants Being Phased Out In 1987, the United Nations finalized a global agreement to protect the stratospheric ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances. This agreement, known as the Montreal Protocol, targeted substances used in products such as air conditioners, refrigerators, aerosols, and fire extinguishers. The Montreal Protocol’s goal was to mitigate global warming. The ozone layer filters out harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which is known to reduce agricultural productivity, disrupt marine ecosystems, and increase the prevalence of skin cancer and cataracts. The Montreal Protocol was scheduled to be implemented in different stages as technology improved. After the Kigali Amendment was adopted in 2016, the next milestone in this effort was the 2025 HVAC refrigerant phase-out. This phase-out targets hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are powerful greenhouse gases that, while less damaging to the ozone layer than their predecessors, contribute significantly to global warming. The refrigerants affected in this phase-out include R-410A and R-22. Their production, importation,...

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Should I run my HVAC system during a wildfire?

August 15, 2022

Wildfires are becoming extremely common in California, and it seems that every year now we have at least a few massive fires. All of these fires put off a huge amount of smoke that can have a dramatic impact on air quality. This air quality problem isn’t just limited to the outdoors, as the smoky air and ash can seep into buildings and result in poor indoor air quality as well. With the recent uptick in major wildfires. One question we have been getting from our customers more and more often is. Can still run their air conditioning when the air outside is smoky?. The answer to that question is yes, and here are the reasons why. Why AC Is Safe to Use During a Wildfire Yes—it’s not only safe to run your air conditioner during a wildfire, it’s actually recommended.When the air outside is smoky, the most important thing you can do is keep your windows and doors closed. Even if the weather is mild, smoke can quickly seep indoors through any openings and negatively impact your indoor air quality. This is why it’s essential to keep your home sealed and your AC running during smoky conditions. Myth: “AC...

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Avoid These Home Cooling Myths

August 3, 2021

Common Myths About Saving Money on Cooling Costs — Busted! Keeping your home cool without overspending on energy bills can be tricky, especially with so much advice floating around. Here’s the truth behind some of the most common cooling cost myths to help you save money and stay comfortable. Myth 1: Air Conditioners Manufacture Cold Air Reality:Air conditioners don’t create cold air; they remove heat and moisture from inside your home. They pull in warm, humid air, extract the heat and moisture, then pump cooler, drier air back into your rooms. Myth 2: An Energy-Efficient AC Will Automatically Keep Bills Low Reality:Even the most efficient AC won’t save money if it’s poorly installed or neglected. Regular maintenance and filter replacement are key to keeping your system running efficiently and saving you money. Myth 3: Closing Doors and Vents in Unused Rooms Saves Energy Reality:Your HVAC system is designed to cool your entire home. Blocking airflow by closing vents makes your system work harder, increasing energy use and costs. Myth 4: Bigger AC Units Cool Faster and Better Reality:An oversized AC cools your home too quickly, leaving humidity and allergens behind because it doesn’t run long enough to properly dehumidify. The...

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