Jun 27, 2012

1902 - Willis Carrier's Cool Invention

With the expected heat wave this weekend it seems only fitting to recognize the inventor of modern air conditioning.

"July 17, 2012 marks the 110th anniversary of the invention of modern air conditioning by Dr. Willis H. Carrier, inventor and founder of the company that bears his name. To recognize this milestone, Carrier commissioned a 144-page, hardcover book, called Weathermakers to the World, which contains little-known vignettes about Dr. Carrier’s life and work, including the famous day, on July 17, 1902 in the midst of a steamy summer, when Willis Carrier, a young research engineer initialed a set of mechanical drawings designed to solve a humidity problem plaguing a printing plant. This design was so novel that the innovation would go on to change the world in ways even Carrier’s brilliant mind could not have imagined." (from www.Carrier.com)

You can read more about Willis Carrier's "cool invention" as well as more recent Carrier innovations at www.WillisCarrier.com.

Stay Cool!

Jun 14, 2012

R22 Sticker Shock - Why has R22 (Freon) tripled in price?

The Montreal Protocol required the U.S. to reduce its consumption of HCFCs (hydro-chlorofluorocarbons) that deplete the earth's ozone layer.  The plan calls for a complete halt in the production of new R22 by the year 2020.

As a step toward this goal, in 2010, the production and importation of R22 for use in newly manufactured equipment was no longer permitted.  Newly manufactured systems could not use R22 refrigerant.

R22 can still be produced for use in existing HVAC systems, but the EPA strictly controls the amount that can be produced by estimating the number of existing systems that are using R22.

So, with the manufacture of new equipment using R22 curtailed and the production of R22 for system repairs limited, supply of R22 has dropped sharply--and the price has skyrocketed.

In 2020, production of R22 will no longer be allowed.  The only source of the refrigerant will be R22 that has been recovered from existing systems and recycled/reclaimed.

What does this mean for the consumer?  HVAC systems are closed systems.  They are not supposed to leak refrigerant.  It is not normal to have to add refrigerant year after year.  With the spike in the price of R22, it might be worthwhile to have refrigerant leaks repaired or to consider purchasing a new, more efficient system that uses R410a (Puron).

-Michael Hendricks

Mar 13, 2012

Now is the time to have your AC system checked for Summer!

Spring has come early this year.  Now is a great time to have your air conditioning system checked for Sumer--before the hot weather arrives.  Call today for service this week.  410 381-7991.

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