It’s no surprise that we think about air conditioners a lot here in Florida. We can sometimes even run our AC systems into the ground because we use them for most of the year. While we’re running these systems that keep us so comfortable, it’s important to think every once in a while about how they work.
If you’re a newcomer to the HVAC industry, or you’re an old-timer who wants a bit of a refresher on how your AC system works, then we can help. We want to talk about refrigerant, and answer some questions that homeowners might have about this material and how it relates to your air conditioning in Gainesville, FL.
We’ll go over the recent R-22 phaseout, signs you’ve got a refrigerant leak, and more! Just remember to call our team when you need help.
“What Is Refrigerant?”
Refrigerant is the material that your compressor cycles through your air conditioner. When it’s pressurized into a gas, it will draw in heat from your home, essentially cooling down your indoor air. Then, when it’s cycled to the outside cabinet, it turns into a liquid and releases the heat that it gained so the whole process can begin again. It’s absolutely necessary that your air conditioner has refrigerant in order to complete the cooling process. Without refrigerant and a compressor to keep it pressurized, your air conditioner is just one large fan.
“What’s the Difference Between R-22 and R-410A Refrigerant?”
R-22 is known as “Freon” and R-410A is known as “Puron.” The difference between these two is basically their environmental impact. R-22 is an older refrigerant that’s been steadily phased out since January 2020. This is because it’s been known to eat away at the ozone layer and cause problems for our atmosphere. R-410A is much better for the environment with a smaller environmental impact.
Luckily, most air conditioners developed in the past twenty years have been constructed with R-410A refrigerant. That being said, if your AC still runs with Freon, then we urge you to consider replacing it before you run into an extremely expensive repair!
“Is My AC Leaking Refrigerant?”
That’s a good question! Take a look at the following symptoms that your AC would show if it were leaking refrigerant.
- A bubbling or hissing noise.
- Higher energy bills and overall lower energy efficiency.
- Poor comfort levels and lukewarm air.
If any of these signs sound familiar, either you’re dealing with a refrigerant leak or a problem that’s worse. Our team provides targeted repairs that can get your system back on track.
“What Do I Do?”
Refrigerant should only be recharged by a professional. It can be hazardous to your health and also quite expensive to try and repair a refrigerant line or recharge refrigerant on your own. That’s why we make the process as simple as possible. Just call our team so we can bet at your home and fix your AC within the same day.
Or, perhaps you need a few more answers to your questions! We’re always happy to answer curious customers.
Call North Central Florida Air Conditioning. Improving Lives by Improving Homes!
