Refrigerants are an important part of cooling systems as they are what help to cool the air down. Without refrigerants, your AC unit will not cool your home effectively, making them necessary for the unit to run and work properly. Different refrigerants can influence efficiency, environmental impact, and overall AC performance, which makes the choice of which one to use much more important. All Year Cooling and Plumbing is known for our expertise in cooling and helping homeowners choose and maintain the right system for the best performance, which includes refrigerant. We are going to dive more into how refrigerant directly affects AC performance, signs to look out for, and how you can contact us if your AC unit isn’t cooling your home effectively.
What is a Refrigerant?
Refrigerant, when it comes to air conditioning units and cooling, is a chemical compound that absorbs and releases heat to cool the indoor air. It’s a vital part of air conditioning effectiveness. It circulates throughout the unit from compression to evaporation, which will help to regulate the temperature. With this said, not all refrigerants are equal, and there are different types out there, which can affect the air cooling and effectiveness of it, as well as its environmental impact.
Common Types of Refrigerants Used in Air Conditioners
All air conditioners use a refrigerant of some type in order for them to cool the air and work properly, so we are going to go over some of the most common types, what they are, and how they work, so that you can get a better idea of the options out there.
R-22: Freon
Freon is one of the most well-known refrigerants out there because of how common it was and how widely used it was. However, it’s not certain as much and is being phased out now due to the environmental regulations and impact. It’s an efficient option, but it ultimately depletes the ozone, making it not a great choice for environmental friendliness. Homeowners who choose this option often have to do costly refills, with limited availability now. If you are still using freon, it’s time to upgrade your system so that it uses another refrigerant option.
R-410A: Puron
Puron is now the current standard for most modern AC systems, and it’s become the replacement for freon. It is much more energy-efficient and safer, which complies with regulations. It works with newer, higher efficiency units, and it has a much better cooling performance than some other options.
R-32
This is becoming a more popular option in newer systems due to its high efficiency, but low global warming potential. Environmental factors are becoming a huge focus on what type of refrigerant being used. It also uses less refrigerant for the same cooling effect, which leads to fewer refills. It’s become a representation of what eco-friendly cooling will look like in the future.
CO2, Propane, Hydrocarbons: New and Emerging Options
These alternatives are gaining popularity and are sustainable options with low global warming potential. They are being adopted into some residential systems, and it could potentially shape the direction of HVAC innovation.
How Refrigerant Type Affects AC Performance
Refrigerant type affects multiple different factors, as we’ve seen when looking at the different types. With that said, we’re going to drive deeper into the different areas that are affected, so that you can get a better idea of how refrigerant types impact AC performance.
Cooling: The efficiency of cooling varies based on the refrigerant type, as some release and absorb heat more effectively than others.
Energy Consumption: Some refrigerants use much more energy than others to do the same amount of cooling, which will be reflected in your energy bills.
Environmental Impact: This is becoming something that’s being considered much more, as environmentally-friendly options are needed for sustainability and regulatory needs.
Pressure and Temperature: Some refrigerants operate at different pressures and temperatures than others.
Maintenance: Some refrigerants need to be refilled much more frequently than others, and some can also be better for the unit and system longevity and lifespan as well.
When to Consider Upgrading Your AC System
It might be difficult to know exactly when you should look into upgrading your system, especially if you’re not a professional or haven’t had an inspection done on your unit. Here is a list of some of the signs that you should look out for:
If your unit is over 10-15years old
High energy bills that are unexplained
Frequent repairs
If you are still using Freon to cool
Inconsistent temperatures
Poor air quality
Performance isn’t efficient when it comes to cooling.
It’s best to upgrade to a modern system for many reasons, including efficiency, complaints, performance, and low operating cost. If you notice any of the signs above or if your home hasn’t had an upgrade in 10-15 years, then it’s time to get an inspection and learn about your options for an AC upgrade.
Upgrades with All-Year Cooling and Plumbing
At All Year Cooling and Plumbing, we have years of experience when it comes to working with cooling systems and air conditioning units. We understand how important it is to maintain cool and consistent temperatures indoors, especially in a hot climate like Florida. Ultimately, we are here to help you get the best care for your unit to ensure an effective cooling system for your home. If you have any of the signs above or you are interested in hearing our options for an upgrade, be sure to contact us so we can help you get your home feeling right and your unit working as effectively as possible.