EPA does not recommend that air ducts be cleaned except on an as-needed basis because of the continuing uncertainty about the benefits of duct cleaning under most circumstances. If no one in your household suffers from allergies or unexplained symptoms or illnesses and if, after a visual inspection of the inside of the ducts, you see no indication that your air ducts are contaminated with large deposits of dust or mold, having your air ducts cleaned is probably unnecessary.

It is normal for the return registers to get dusty as dust-laden air is pulled through the grate. This does not indicate that your air ducts are contaminated with heavy deposits of dust or debris; the registers can be easily vacuumed or removed and cleaned.

On the other hand, if family members are experiencing unusual or unexplained symptoms or illnesses that you think might be related to your home environment, you should discuss the situation with your doctor and contact TSC Mechanical for an assessment of your home’s Indoor Air Quality.

We respond immediately to calls that come in during normal business hours. Calls that come in after business hours or on Sundays are responded to the following morning.  If you need help or have questions, simple call us today and we’ll be glad to help!

Energy Star came out with some easy ways to indicate whether it’s time to consider replacing heating and cooling equipment, or whether to just perform some maintenance.

It may be time to reach out to an HVAC contractor if:

1. Your heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old.
2. Your furnace is more than 15 years old.
3. Your equipment needs frequent repairs and your energy bills are going up.
4. Your home has humidity problems.
5. Your home has excessive dust.
6. Your heating or cooling system is noisy.

If you answered YES to 2 or more of these questions, it’s time to call TSC Mechanical. One of our home comfort experts can diagnose the best way to efficiently control the heating and cooling in your home.

When replacing heating and cooling (HVAC) equipment, bigger doesn’t always mean better.

If the unit is too large for your home, you will be less comfortable and might actually have higher utility bills. For example, an oversize central air conditioner will operate in short run cycles, not allowing the unit to reach efficient operation and remove humidity from the air – resulting in an uncomfortable home.

YES. We offer a variety of Heating and Air Conditioning system financing options. Contact us today to find out more about our HVAC Financing options.

R-454B Refrigerant

R-454B is a next-generation, low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant developed as a more environmentally friendly replacement for R-410A. Commonly used in residential and light commercial HVAC systems, R-454B offers comparable performance to R-410A while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It is classified as A2L—mildly flammable—and must be handled with proper safety precautions. As regulatory standards push for lower GWP alternatives, R-454B is becoming the new industry standard for sustainable cooling.

R-410A Refrigerant

R-410A is a high-efficiency hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant widely used in residential and commercial air conditioning systems. Known for its superior cooling performance and higher pressure compared to older refrigerants like R-22, R-410A became the industry standard after R-22 was phased out due to ozone depletion concerns. While it does not harm the ozone layer, R-410A has a high global warming potential (GWP), prompting a gradual transition to more environmentally sustainable alternatives such as R-454B.

A2L

A2L is a safety classification for refrigerants defined by ASHRAE, indicating that the substance is mildly flammable and has low toxicity. Refrigerants in the A2L category, such as R-454B, are designed to offer lower global warming potential (GWP) while maintaining safety and performance standards. Due to their mild flammability, A2L refrigerants require specific handling, installation, and ventilation practices to ensure safe use in HVAC systems.

R-32 Refrigerant

R-32 is a single-component hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant known for its high energy efficiency and lower global warming potential (GWP) compared to R-410A. Commonly used in modern air conditioning systems, R-32 is classified as an A2L refrigerant, meaning it has low toxicity and is mildly flammable. Its superior heat transfer capabilities and reduced environmental impact make it a popular choice for next-generation HVAC technologies.

R-1234yf Refrigerant

R-1234yf is a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerant developed as an environmentally friendly replacement for R-134a in automotive and light commercial cooling systems. With an ultra-low global warming potential (GWP) of less than 1, R-1234yf significantly reduces environmental impact while delivering similar performance. It is classified as an A2L refrigerant, indicating low toxicity and mild flammability, and is increasingly adopted to meet global climate regulations.

GWP (Global Warming Potential)

Global Warming Potential (GWP) is a measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere compared to carbon dioxide (CO₂), which has a GWP of 1. The higher the GWP, the greater the environmental impact. In HVAC, GWP is used to evaluate and compare refrigerants—lower GWP refrigerants like R-454B and R-32 are preferred for their reduced contribution to climate change.

HFCs (Hydrofluorocarbons)

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are synthetic compounds commonly used as refrigerants in air conditioning, refrigeration, and heat pump systems. They replaced ozone-depleting substances like CFCs and HCFCs, offering improved environmental safety with zero ozone depletion potential. However, many HFCs—such as R-410A—have high global warming potential (GWP), leading to increased regulatory pressure and a shift toward low-GWP alternatives like R-454B and R-32.

ASHRAE

ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) is a global professional organization dedicated to advancing the design and application of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) systems. ASHRAE develops widely recognized industry standards and guidelines, including safety classifications for refrigerants and energy efficiency benchmarks that help ensure safe, sustainable, and high-performing HVAC systems.

AHRI (Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute)

AHRI is a trade association that represents manufacturers of HVACR and water heating equipment. The organization develops performance standards, certifies equipment efficiency, and promotes safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible technologies. AHRI certification is widely recognized in the HVAC industry as a mark of quality, helping consumers and professionals compare equipment performance and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

R-22 Refrigerant

R-22, also known as HCFC-22, is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon refrigerant that was widely used in residential and commercial air conditioning systems for decades. Due to its ozone-depleting properties, R-22 has been phased out under the Montreal Protocol, with production and importation banned in the U.S. as of 2020. Systems using R-22 can still be serviced, but homeowners are encouraged to upgrade to newer systems with environmentally friendly refrigerants like R-410A or R-454B.

ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential)

Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) is a measure of a substance’s ability to degrade the Earth’s ozone layer compared to a reference chemical, usually CFC-11, which has an ODP of 1.0. Refrigerants like R-22 have a measurable ODP and have been phased out due to environmental concerns. Modern refrigerants such as R-410A and R-454B have an ODP of zero, making them safer alternatives for protecting the ozone layer.