410A Mandate Recap:
Effective January 1, 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency, under Title VI of the Clean Air Act, will no longer allow air conditioning equipment that uses the refrigerant R-22 (commonly known by the brand name Freon®) to be manufactured. This new mandate is designed to protect the environment from ozone depleting hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) that can be released through leaks and improper disposal.
A new refrigerant, 410A, (commonly known by the brand name Puron®) is available and is less harmful to the ozone or environment if it leaks from an air conditioning system.
Check if you home warranty will cover the replacement of R-22 systems (old republic does).
Special Note: Kitchen refrigerators are not affected by the 410A Mandate because they use a different type of refrigerant than air conditioning units.
