Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Implications Of The Clean Air Act On Tempe Heating Repair

By Vicki Diaz


In areas where winters are fairly moderate heat pumps can provide most of the heat needed to keep a home warm. Many of these older systems use R22 as a refrigerant medium to transfer heat into or out of the home. The Clean Air Act calls for elimination of 90% of this refrigerant over the next few months. This has some big implications on locals needing Tempe heating repair.

R22, also called Freon works very well inside a closed loop HVAC system. It changes to a liquid when compressed and evaporates to a gas to absorb heat. This conversion is useful in both winter and summer conditions. However, if the substance is released into the atmosphere it adds to the depletion of the ozone. The clean air act will make Freon much more difficult to purchase for repairs. When it is available it will be more expensive. For homeowners depending on older heat pump systems, this may affect their options for repairs.

The replacement coolant is not compatible with older heat pumps and air conditioners. Such systems cannot be retrofitted so they work with this newer coolant. This will force many homeowners to replace broken systems that will no longer be able to be repaired.

Although consumers are often surprised by this law, it was put in place over 40 years ago when President Nixon signed the Clean Air Act in 1970. The EPA has responsibility for enforcing the law. While one may still add R22 to systems for a few months, the price will increase as the deadline approaches. In addition, the Act outlaws manufacture or R22 by the year 2020.

For years, homeowners have learned that it is more often more cost effective to replace a HVAC system that is nearing the end of its life cycle instead of replacing it. Units between 10 and 20 years of age are recommended for replacement with any major breakdown, such as the failure of a compressor. With the changes in the law, replacement is going to be more viable for all units using R22 as a refrigerant.

To make the most of this situation, homeowners needing to make replacements of units should consider upgrading to a high efficiency heat pump. While the cost of installation may be more, the savings can be realized for many years in the future. Many estimates show the cost savings on monthly utility bills will pay for the new unit by the halfway point of its useful life.

Many power companies offer rebates that can help to offset the cost of installing energy star appliances including heat pumps. In addition to state or federal governments may offer tax incentives. Financing of the new system is also an option for the homeowner.

To find out more about the Clean Air Act and the implementation of these regulations, one should contact a Tempe heating repair service. Company representatives know about the upcoming deadlines as well as the current costs and availability of R22. They can share options to replace or fix any system.




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