Consumer Alert Exposes Faulty AC Contractors Putting Houston Homeowners at Risk

Houston, TX (September 12, 2016) – Earlier this month, a Click2Houston consumer alert warned Houston area homeowners of AC technicians using unapproved refrigerants to recharge older systems. The warning addressed the dangers of using alternatives to R-22 refrigerants, namely R-22A. Alternative fluids can cause costly damage to a homeowner’s air conditioning system and endanger the health and safety of the homeowner and their family.

“Because most of these alternative refrigerants have butane and propane in them, they put the technician, the HVAC system, and the homeowner at risk,” said John Moore HVAC install supervisor Donald Bright of the report. “The best thing a homeowner can do to avoid the use of alternative refrigerants, other than go with a licensed and trusted contractor, is upgrade to a new HVAC system entirely.”

In the next four years an upgrade may be mandatory for homeowners with older systems. R-22, commonly branded as Freon™, is an older refrigerant that the EPA plans to phase out by the year 2020. The EPA order called for an immediate drop from 51 million pounds allowed in 2014 to 22 million pounds in 2015, 18 million pounds in 2016, 13 million pounds in 2017, 9 million pounds in 2018, and 4 million pounds in 2019. No new or imported R-22 will be allowed in the U.S. on or after Jan. 1, 2020. The reason for this phase-out is that R-22 contains hydro-chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) that deplete the earth’s ozone layer. Every year before the 2020 ban, the price of R-22 refrigerant will continue to skyrocket, which is why many smaller HVAC technicians have resorted to using alternative refrigerants like R-22a that are cheaper to obtain.

“We advise homeowners to begin seriously thinking about making the change now. Even some of the replacement parts like the compressor, which is the heart of the system, can take weeks to order,” Bright added. “Who wants to wait a couple of weeks without air conditioning? The sooner a homeowner upgrades their outdated system, the sooner they can stop worrying and start saving.”

R-410a, commonly branded as Puron®, has become the new standard refrigerant used in newer air conditioning systems. Systems that use R-410a have many benefits over systems that use R-22: they do not contribute to ozone depletion; they are more durable, significantly reducing the risk of a system overheating or breaking down; and they are up to 30% more efficient, reducing cost of ownership.

Homeowners can begin the upgrade process by researching trusted HVAC brands such as Lennox and Amana for systems that use R-410a.

About John Moore
John Moore Services is Houston’s leading comprehensive home services provider. From humble beginnings as a plumbing company more than 50 years ago, John Moore has developed a service package that considers each and every aspect of your home, including HVAC, electrical, pest control, lawn treatment, restoration, remodeling, and more. Their goal is to fix your immediate problems and prevent them from ever happening again by addressing their root cause. Because their solutions are more comprehensive than other service companies, John Moore offers a variety of flexible finance plans so that homeowners can enjoy the comfort they deserve. John Moore has long been the name Houstonians call upon for reliable service and quality results that ultimately save the day – and last for years to come.

For more information about the company- including HVAC options and finance plans– visit www.johnmooreservices.com.