AC Refrigerant: Everything You Need to Know

AC refrigerant is a vital component of your air conditioning system, responsible for transferring heat and cooling the air. Below, we provide you with everything you need to know about AC refrigerant. If you ever have any questions or concerns about AC refrigerant, always consult a professional HVAC technician.

What is AC Refrigerant?

AC refrigerant is a chemical that absorbs heat from indoor air, carries it to the outdoor condenser unit, and releases it into the surrounding environment. It continuously changes from a low-pressure gas to a high-pressure liquid and back to a gas, facilitating heat transfer and cooling.

2 Types of AC Refrigerants

• R-22 (Freon): R-22 was commonly used in older AC systems but is being phased out due to its harmful environmental impact. Its production and import have been banned in several countries. It is being replaced by more environmentally friendly alternatives.
• R-410A: R-410A—also known as Puron—is the most widely used refrigerant today. It is chlorine-free, ozone-friendly, and is very efficient. AC systems designed for R-410A are more energy-efficient and comply with environmental regulations.

Refrigerant Efficiency and SEER Ratings

The efficiency of AC refrigerants is measured by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. Higher SEER ratings indicate greater energy efficiency and cost savings. AC systems using newer refrigerants like R-410A tend to have higher SEER ratings. Click here to learn more about SEER ratings.

Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant leaks can be caused by aging components, corrosion, or physical damage to refrigerant lines. Signs of a refrigerant leak include reduced cooling, longer cooling cycles, frozen lines, or hissing sounds near the AC unit. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, call for an emergency AC repair as soon as possible.

Proper Refrigerant Charge

Correct refrigerant charge is crucial for your air conditioner’s performance. Too much or too little refrigerant can lead to decreased cooling efficiency, increased energy consumption, and potential damage to the compressor.

If your AC system requires a refrigerant recharge, it is crucial to hire a professional HVAC technician. They will repair any leaks before adding refrigerant to the system. Attempting to recharge refrigerant yourself without addressing leaks can lead to wasted refrigerant and environmental harm.

Note: if a technician says you need a recharge and does not check for leaks, this is likely a scam. Refrigerant runs through a closed system and does not run out. Click here to learn more about common HVAC scams.

While it is helpful to know about AC refrigerant, certain things should be left to a professional, including choosing the right refrigerant type, ensuring proper refrigerant charge, and addressing leaks.

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