The History of Envirotemp AC Flush
From the discovery of oil fouling to the development of the world's most advanced thermal transfer enhancement technology.
Why Air Conditioning Systems Lose Efficiency
For decades, HVAC professionals observed a common problem. Even when an air conditioning system was properly maintained, energy consumption gradually increased and performance slowly declined over time.
Most people assumed this was simply the result of aging equipment. However, research and field observations revealed another contributing factor occurring inside the refrigeration circuit itself.
As a refrigeration system operates, small amounts of compressor oil circulate throughout the system along with the refrigerant. Over time, a microscopic layer of oil can accumulate on the internal surfaces of evaporator coils, condenser coils, and refrigerant tubing.
Because oil is a poor conductor of heat, this thin layer acts as an insulating barrier. As the layer grows, the system's ability to transfer heat decreases.
The Result
- ✓Increased energy consumption
- ✓Longer run times
- ✓Reduced cooling capacity
- ✓Higher operating pressures
- ✓Increased compressor workload
- ✓Shortened equipment life
This phenomenon became known as oil fouling and would become the focus of decades of research and development.
Tony Sgarbi's Research
During the late 1980s, refrigeration specialist Tony Sgarbi began investigating the impact of oil fouling on HVAC and refrigeration systems.
Rather than focusing solely on external maintenance issues such as dirty coils and filters, he examined what was happening inside the refrigeration circuit.
The goal was simple but ambitious: develop a treatment capable of restoring lost heat transfer efficiency without requiring expensive equipment replacement.
After years of testing and development, the first generation of the technology was introduced.
Decades of Development
First Generation Technology
The first commercial version of the technology was released around 1990. This early formulation was designed to address oil fouling and improve heat transfer within operating refrigeration systems. Unlike traditional maintenance procedures, the treatment could be introduced directly into an existing system without major disassembly.
The technology attracted attention because it offered a potential method for improving system performance while avoiding the significant costs associated with equipment replacement.
The first-generation product was tested through the U.S. Department of Energy's Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP), helping establish credibility within the industry.
Second Generation Technology
By 1994, additional research and field testing led to a second-generation formulation. The improved chemistry expanded the technology's applications beyond traditional air conditioning systems and into larger commercial and industrial environments.
Applications included commercial HVAC systems, industrial refrigeration, chillers, supermarket refrigeration, ice production facilities, and ammonia refrigeration systems. The technology's ability to improve performance across multiple refrigeration platforms contributed to growing industry interest.
Third Generation Technology
Continued research and real-world installations led to another major advancement in 2002. This third-generation technology expanded commercial adoption and introduced additional performance improvements.
The technology was increasingly utilized in office buildings, retail facilities, manufacturing environments, hospitals, educational institutions, and large commercial properties. Years of field experience provided valuable operational data that helped guide future product development.
Development of AC Flush
After decades of testing, research, and refinement, development of the fourth-generation technology was completed in 2015. This new formulation became known as AC Flush.
The goal was not only to address oil fouling but also to further improve overall system performance through advanced thermal transfer enhancement. AC Flush represented the culmination of more than twenty-five years of research into heat transfer optimization and refrigeration system efficiency.
Commercial Introduction of AC Flush
Following extensive testing and validation, AC Flush was commercially introduced in 2017. The fourth-generation formulation incorporated lessons learned from decades of laboratory testing, field installations, and customer feedback.
The technology was designed to provide improved heat transfer, reduced energy consumption, enhanced refrigerant flow characteristics, reduced compressor friction, extended equipment life, and long-term performance improvement. AC Flush became the most advanced version of the technology developed to date.
How AC Flush Works
AC Flush is designed to improve refrigeration system performance through several key mechanisms.
Oil Fouling Removal
The treatment helps displace accumulated oil from heat transfer surfaces, allowing heat to move more efficiently through the system.
Improved Refrigerant Flow
By improving internal flow characteristics, the system can transfer heat more effectively.
Enhanced Heat Transfer
The treatment is designed to improve thermal conductivity within the refrigeration circuit, allowing equipment to operate more efficiently.
Reduced Mechanical Stress
Improved operating conditions can reduce compressor workload, helping decrease wear and extend equipment life.
The Evolution into Envirotemp AC Flush
Envirotemp AC Flush represents the application of AC Flush technology within the HVAC service and contractor marketplace.
The objective is to provide HVAC contractors with a simple, high-value solution that can be offered to residential and commercial customers seeking improved efficiency and performance from existing air conditioning systems.
For Contractors
It provides a unique service offering that addresses one of the most overlooked causes of HVAC performance loss.
For Customers
It offers the opportunity to restore efficiency, reduce operating costs, and improve overall system performance without replacing existing equipment.
The treatment is installed directly into an operating system and is designed to become a permanent part of the refrigeration circuit.
A Legacy of Innovation
Today, AC Flush technology continues to be used in residential, commercial, industrial, and refrigeration applications.
The technology represents more than three decades of development focused on one objective: improving heat transfer efficiency inside refrigeration systems.
From its beginnings as a solution to oil fouling, AC Flush has evolved into a comprehensive thermal transfer enhancement technology designed to help HVAC and refrigeration systems operate more efficiently throughout their service life.
The result is a technology platform built upon decades of research, testing, field experience, and continuous innovation.