Landscape Services recently became a little more environmentally conscious and cost-effective with its purchase of the Robinair Cooltech 34288, a Freon recycling device. Freon, a refrigerant, is vital to functions such as air conditioning.

The Cooltech 34288 removes and recycles automotive refrigerant. According to Landscape Services Equipment Mechanic Douglas Aves, this is especially useful when machines are in need of repair. “The Cooltech cleans the refrigerant, holds it, and when you’re done with the repair, it reinstalls it,” he said.

In addition to recycling Freon, the Cooltech 34288 tests the system to ensure there are no refrigerant leaks, which can be harmful to the environment. This feature is especially helpful as the summer approaches and air conditioning is used more frequently. “Most of our equipment is air-conditioned,” said Landscape Services Equipment Mechanic William Hickey.

The Cooltech’s precision is an important feature. If a piece of equipment is not producing cold air, the mechanics need to be able to pull out refrigerant and put that exact amount back in, within plus or minus an ounce, for it to work.

In the past, Landscape Services mechanics sent out all of their air-conditioning work. Sending out the work, however, caused not only transportation difficulties but also added cost to the repairs.

Recognizing the cost savings and convenience, Aves, along with his fellow mechanics, pitched the idea for the purchase to their supervisor, Landscape Services Coordinator Roger Thelen.

Landscape Services Manager Gerry Dobbs commented, “I’m just proud of our guys for looking at technology like that."

July 16, 2009