Air Conditioner Refrigerant _Types, Phase-Out and Key Information
                     Air Conditioner Refrigerant :Types,
Phase-Out and Key Information
We know Dallas for its hot and humid climate. If you live in Dallas, you must be using
your air conditioning system throughout the summer. And if you have an interest in air
conditioner refrigerant or HVAC in general, you probably heard about R22 refrigerant
phase-out. It’s time to adopt R-410a, if you haven’t already.
How Do Air Conditioners Work?
The main function of an AC is to keep your area cool. An air conditioner has two units –
indoor unit and outdoor unit. The outdoor unit of the cooling system comprises a
compressor and condenser coil. On the other hand, the AC’s indoor unit has an
evaporator coil, air handler, and fan.
All these units need to function together to make your home cool, and refrigerant plays
a major role in keeping all the units connected.
What is Air Conditioning Refrigerant?
Air conditioner refrigerant is a liquid that flows between the outdoor and indoor unit.
When you turn on your air conditioner unit, this refrigerant liquid flows and absorbs the
heat from your space. After absorbing the heat from your home or office space, it
releases the heat to the outside or condenser unit. Thus, it makes your area cool and
gives you comfort.
Why Must Homeowners Check AC Refrigerant Level?
As I mentioned above, refrigerants absorb the heat from your space and keep your area
cool. But when there are low refrigerants in your air conditioner, your air conditioning
system won’t be able to absorb heat properly, and you won’t get your desired
temperature.
Usually, refrigerants leak in older air conditioners. That’s why if you have an older
HVAC system, you should check the refrigerant level of your cooling unit constantly. If
you find out that there is a leak in the AC, it’s better to call an HVAC professional and
service or repair it as soon as possible. However, if your residential air conditioner is
more than ten years old, it’s better to invest in a new air conditioner. Because as the
HVAC systems age, it starts to become less efficient and consume more electricity.
AC Refrigerant Recharge
3 Types of Air Conditioning Refrigerants
CFC (Chlorofluorocarbon)
This type of refrigerant is very harmful to the ozone layer and consists of the R12.
That’s why the EPA has banned the use of this refrigerant.
HCFC Home Refrigerant
HCFC has harmful Freon R22 that increases the greenhouse gas in the environment.
However, it may not be as harmful as the CFC (Chlorofluorocarbon) to the ozone layer,
but still, we should not use R22 refrigerant as an AC refrigerant. Considering the
greenhouse gas effect, EPA has ordered a phase-out of R22 by 2020. After 2020, R22
refrigerant is now completely banned, and it’s illegal to use R22 as an AC refrigerant.
If your AC is old, chances are your AC uses the R 22 refrigerant. As the EPA has
planned to phase out R22, these refrigerant prices are a record high. That’s why it’s
best to switch to a new air conditioner and save money.
HFC (Hydrofluorocarbons)
This is the safest refrigerant type available in the market. It has no harmful chlorine gas
in it. R-410a refrigerant falls under this category, and it is environmentally friendly.
That’s why there is no restriction on using R 410A in your air conditioners.
If you used other refrigerant types in your heating and cooling system, it’s the best time
to replace it with the HFC (Hydrofluorocarbons) because, after the phase-out, the
production of the banned refrigerants will be halted. And when there is no production,
prices will go up too.
See the summary of this article here in an infographic – 3 Types of AC Refrigerants
[Infographic]
3 Types of AC Refrigerants
FAQs about Refrigerant
When to Upgrade?
To check whether you need to update your heating and cooling system or not, go to the
outdoor unit of your air conditioner and check if it has R22 written on it or not. If you find
out that your AC is using the banned R-22, you must think about AC replacement as
soon as possible.
Can I Use R-410A in My Old Cooling System?
If you have an old heating and cooling system that uses R22 as a refrigerant, you
simply cannot move to the R-410A because your air conditioner may not be compatible
with the R-410A. In this case, you’ll have to switch to a new AC and replace the R22
with the R-410A.
What to Do If My AC is Leaking Refrigerant?
As soon as you find out that your AC is leaking refrigerant, you must call an HVAC
professional and fix it ASAP. Because when there is a leak in the AC, it can damage
other parts as well. As a result, the chances of hefty repairs will increase.
What are the Signs of Refrigerant Leaks?
If you’re having a cooling problem in your space, there is a solid chance of a leak in
your AC. Besides, if you see ice on the evaporator coil of your AC or have high utility
bills, you’re likely to have a leak.
Impact of Banning Production of the R 22?
As the production of the R22 is currently banned, you won’t get R-22 anymore. Even if
you do, you’ll have to pay a hefty price for it. But as a responsible citizen, you shouldn’t
use such harmful substances in your AC.
By the way, are you looking for an HVAC system for your home?
Check out Green Leaf Air Store where we have a wide range of residential &
commercial HVAC systems including: –
Complete Goodman HVAC System – Trane HVAC system – Heat Pumps  – Gas
Furnaces
Besides, for any Air Duct Cleaning, AC installation, AC replacement and repair services,
call Green Leaf Air to ensure you get the best quotes and satisfying service.