Tennessee Valley Mechanical LLC

Environmentally Friendly Refrigerant

In 1987, the Montreal Protocol, an international environmental agreement, established requirements that began the worldwide phase-out of ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). This Protocol is carried out in the United States as part of the Clean Air Act, which is implemented by the EPA.

R-22 has been the refrigerant of choice for residential heat pump and air conditioning systems for more than 40 years. Unfortunately, when R-22 is released into the atmosphere, it contributes significantly to the world wide problem of ozone depletion. In an effort to develop a suitable replacement for R-22, R-410A has become the replacement refrigerant of choice. R-410A can not be used to retrofit existing R-22 equipment because of the higher discharge pressure. Because of the higher pressure, different service tools are required to service equipment that is designed for the higher pressures of R-410A. Unlike R-22, R-410A contains no chlorine in its chemical make-up. R-410A is a blend refrigerant made of R-32 and R-125 at a 50/50% ratio. R-410A meets or exceeds all of the stringent requirements of both the Montreal Protocol and the EPA.

The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) recently stated that R-22 " is used in approximately 95% of the air conditioning equipment in the United States today and (R-22) will remain in production until the year 2010." That is good news for customers with newer systems that use R-22. They can continue to use their systems, as long as they are in good operating condition. However, customers who need to replace their air conditioning equipment will find that their new equipment will use R-410A. Most US manufacturers, including American Standard and Trane began manufacturing R-410A equipment in 2003.

The EPA has advised homeowners that the "one important thing (they) can do for the environment, regardless of the refrigerant used, is to select a reputable dealer that employs service technicians who are EPA certified to handle refrigerants. Another important thing a homeowner can do for the environment is to purchase a highly energy- efficient system."

Tennessee Valley Mechanical technicians are EPA Certified.

Price Escalation

As a result of skyrocketing fuel costs and the resulting effect on manufacturing and transportation costs, HVAC equipment manufacturers have been increasing pricing to their contractors. Some major industry manufacturers have recently announced their third major price increase for the year. Tennessee Valley Mechanical Heating & Air is working diligently to control pricing and limit our price increases, however our ability to freeze pricing is limited. If customers are considering delaying replacement of their equipment, we recommend that they also consider these price increases as they are completing their cost-benefit analysis. Some manufacturers have already increased their pricing more than 10%.

Health Concerns

Does it seem like mold and respiratory related health issues are on the increase?

Actually, the American Medical Association has identified significant increases in child and adolescent asthma over the past 10 years. Perhaps it is a matter of science catching up with nature, but the medical profession is identifying a correlation between health problems and indoor air quality, moisture and mold. An in depth study of the health effects related to mold exposure, indoor moisture and indoor air quality was commissioned by the Environmental Protection Agency. The study was performed at the University of Connecticut Health Center's Center for Indoor Environments and Health. The result of this study is a 100+ page guide for physicians advising them how to recognize and manage these health problems.

If you consider the fact that 90-93% of the air that you breathe in your home passes through your heating and air conditioning system, you will realize the importance of this system in the overall health management for your family.

Tennessee Valley Mechanical Heating & Air has always focused on the health of our customer's families when designing the systems for their homes and commercial buildings. The HVAC system is often the most important single investment in a home. Consumers often believe all systems and manufactures are created equal. Not True! The reality is that you must first hire a company with the expertise and the commitment to design and install a matched system with your health in mind.

The EPA estimates that the ductwork in only 3% of homes in the US is sized properly. That figure is astounding. Every home is unique - if your builder builds 2 identical homes, it is conceivable that the HVAC system size of the duct may be different in the two homes. Why? If the heating & cooling system is properly designed, it will take into consideration orientation of the home and the lot, the heating and cooling loads, and the use of the various spaces within the home. Many contractors simply use square foot estimates and "rules of thumb" to determine system and duct size. Simply put, many contractors are not qualified to size or design your system.

At Tennessee Valley Mechanical heating and Air we use state of the art software to ensure proper duct sizing per Manual D and proper equipment sizing per Manual J8.