Understanding HVAC Refrigerant Types

Whether your HVAC issues demand a simple fix or a more serious AC repair in University Park, TX, the professionals at Aire Serv are always happy to help. Continue reading to learn more, or call Aire Serv with any of your questions or concerns. We even offer emergency repair services.

What Is Refrigerant, and What Does It Do?

At its core, refrigerant is a fluid chemical compound that absorbs heat from your indoor air and transfers it outside. This fluid can easily boil from a liquid into a vapor and also be condensed from a vapor back into a liquid. Here's the science in a nutshell:

The first step is heat absorption. Warm air is pulled in by the AC system. That air passes over cold and refrigerant-loaded evaporator coils. As the refrigerant absorbs the heat, it evaporates from low-pressure liquid into a gas.

Next up is the heat release. The gas travels to the compressor in the outdoor unit. There, it’s pressurized to further increase its temperature. From there, it moves to the condenser coils outside, and it releases the heat into the outdoor air.

As it releases heat and cools, the refrigerants condenses back into a liquid. The cooled liquid refrigerant is sent back inside to the evaporator coil to start the cycle again.

Why Refrigerant Matters

Refrigerant isn’t just another component in your system; it’s the medium that actually does the cooling. Without refrigerant, your AC system is just a very expensive fan.

Unlike filters or belts, refrigerant doesn’t wear out over time. If your system is low on refrigerant, then it usually means there’s a leak. Here’s the thing though: adding more refrigerant without fixing the leak is like pouring water into a cracked bucket.

Not all refrigerants are created equal either, and this brings us to the next crucial point: refrigerant types.

Types of Refrigerants: What’s in Your AC?

Refrigerants have evolved over the decades not just in terms of efficiency but environmental impact as well. If you’re considering an AC installation or even a major AC repair, it helps to know what refrigerant your system uses and what your options are. These include, but are not limited to:

• R-22 (Freon): Long used for residential and commercial air conditioning, R-22 was found to be harmful to the ozone layer and was officially phased out of production in the U.S. as of 2020. If your system still runs on R-22, you're probably paying steep prices for recharges. Worse, you may struggle to find certified techs to work with it.
• R-410A (Puron): This is current standard, but it's being phased out as the HVAC industry is preparing to shift to newer refrigerants with even lower environmental impact due to global climate agreements.
• R-32 and Other Low-GWP Refrigerants: These refrigerants have a low Global Warming Potential (GWP) and are part of the next generation of HVAC systems. If you’re investing in a new system, it’s worth asking your HVAC company about available models that use low-GWP refrigerants for long-term benefits.

Why the Right Refrigerant Matters

If your system needs refrigerant service, then identifying the correct type is essential. Using the wrong type - or mixing refrigerants - can damage your system and even void warranties. That's just part of why HVAC service is NOT something you should DIY.

Reputable companies like Aire Serv have trained and experienced technicians and even offer great workmanship guarantees. If your system isn’t cooling properly or you're concerned about its efficiency, don’t wait. Call Aire Serv to hire a uniformed professional.