What Is Freon and Is It Important for Your AC System?
Invented in 1928, Freon was one of the first and most popular brands of refrigerants for air conditioning systems and refrigerators. While Freon has been phased out since 2010 due to environmental concerns, it’s still important to understand its history. Here’s a closer look at Freon, plus everything you need to know about refrigerants for your AC system today.
What Is Freon?
Freon is a brand name of refrigerant, technically known as R-22. Once touted as the “miracle compound,” Freon is a mix of several different chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, which are now known to deplete the ozone layer rapidly. Due to environmental concerns, Freon has been phased out from air conditioning systems since 2010.
In the 1990s, a new refrigerant called Puron (R-410A) was introduced, and it was considered to be eco-friendly. If you have an older air conditioning system, chances are it uses Puron (R-410A), not Freon. Unfortunately, scientists soon discovered that Puron wasn’t much better than Freon for the environment. As part of a global climate initiative, Puron (R-410A) is currently being phased out and replaced by the more environmentally friendly refrigerants R-454B and R-32.
How Does Refrigerant Work in Your AC System?
Behind the scenes of Florida homes, refrigerants are at work inside AC systems, absorbing heat, turning heat into gas, and moving heat outside, where it’s finally released. Refrigerants accomplish all of this by circulating through a closed-loop system. Because it’s a closed-loop system, the amount of refrigerant inside your AC should always remain at the same level. Having the right amount of refrigerant from the start is critical to your AC’s proper functioning.
The refrigeration cycle is as follows:
- The refrigerant first moves through the evaporator coil, where it absorbs heat and evaporates into a gas.
- Then, it moves to the compressor, where the gas is compressed and increases in pressure and temperature.
- Next, it moves to the condenser coil, where heat is released and the refrigerant condenses into liquid.
- The refrigerant moves to the expansion valve, where pressure is removed from the liquid. This allows it to turn back into vapor in the evaporator, beginning the cycle again.
Why Is Refrigerant Important?
Without refrigerant — and the precise amount of refrigerant in your system — air conditioning systems cannot function. When your AC contains an insufficient supply of refrigerant due to a line leak or improper installation, it won’t be able to cool your home well. This will cause other problems, including increased energy bills, frozen coils, and compressor failure.
This is why early detection and repair of leaks (and other issues) is critical to your AC system’s health. Catching problems early can save you money on repairs while helping you avoid more extensive damage.
Most importantly, while Freon has been outlawed from AC systems for decades, Puron (R-410A) is still in the process of being phased out. This means there’s a good chance your AC uses Puron. Fortunately, the phase-out process is gradual. You’ll be able to use your system for the remainder of its life.
What Homeowners Need to Know About Freon/Puron Replacement
Unfortunately, the systems that still rely on R-410A will likely face increasing repair costs as its supply becomes scarce during the phase-out process. If your system uses Puron, you can mitigate rising repair costs by scheduling routine maintenance with our AC technicians. Professional maintenance, including regularly replacing dirty air filters, replacing/repairing worn components, and catching leaks early, can keep your old HVAC system functioning smoothly for longer.
Depending on your system’s age, you may be wondering about retrofitting your old AC to accommodate a new type of refrigerant. Unfortunately, retrofitting is not a cost-effective option for homeowners because it’s an extensive, complicated, and expensive process involving the replacement of several major AC components.
For these reasons, we recommend upgrading your old AC system to an eco-friendly model with an environmentally sound refrigerant such as R-454B or R-32. A new, more energy-efficient AC system will save you money in repairs and energy bills and give you years of peace of mind.
Hopkins Air Conditioning is here to help you navigate this transition process. Our BBB A+ Rated team is NCI- and NATE-certified to provide top-level AC installation, repair, and maintenance services for residents in Palm Beach County and beyond. You can count on our expertise to help you transition to newer refrigerants and systems for better energy efficiency.
How to Maintain Your AC System & Keep Refrigerant Levels Balanced
To keep your refrigerant functioning optimally at the correct level, here are a few maintenance tips:
- Schedule regular AC tune-ups. Our AC technicians will clean and inspect your system, check the refrigerant level, repair/tighten/lubricate components, and more to keep your system running efficiently and extend its life.
- Look for signs of a refrigerant leak, such as ice on the evaporator coils, hissing sounds, and a lack of cool air.
- Call us ASAP if you suspect a refrigerant leak.
Call Hopkins Air Conditioning for Expert AC Maintenance in West Palm Beach, FL
Hopkins Air Conditioning can handle all your concerns about refrigerants and maintenance. Serving Palm Beach County and the surrounding area for 35+ years, our team has unrivaled expertise in AC repair, refrigerant services, and system upgrades.
If you’re looking for a team that prioritizes honesty, integrity, superior technical expertise, and top-level customer service on every job, contact us today.
Contact us for top-quality AC installation, repairs, or maintenance.
