In the dog days of summer, your air conditioning system is a vital part of your home, and refrigerant is important in keeping air conditioners working in this hot weather. Understanding how refrigerant works, the types available, and how to maintain it can help your air conditioner run efficiently. Hopefully, this blog helps to understand the basics of refrigerant for your AC unit, but if you have more questions, contact our expert team!
What Is Refrigerant?
Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in air conditioning systems to absorb and release heat. Refrigerant cycles throughout your AC unit changing from a gas to a liquid and back to gas. Your air conditioner collects indoor air, extracts the heat with the help of a refrigerant, and releases the heat outside while providing coolness and comfort to your home.
What Are the Types of Refrigerants?
Various refrigerants are used in air conditioning systems, each with distinct characteristics. Below are the most common types.
- R-22 (Freon): Originally, the norm for air conditioning, but R-22 is now being phased out due to its environmental impact, specifically its contribution to ozone depletion.
- R-410A (Puron): A popular replacement for R-22, R-410A is more environmentally friendly and efficient. It doesn’t contribute to ozone depletion and operates at higher pressures, making it a preferred choice for new systems.
- R-32: Also is becoming a popular replacement for R-22 because of its high efficiency, lower environmental impact, and lower global warming potential compared to R-410A.
- R-134a: This refrigerant is commonly used in car air conditioning but can be found in some residential systems. R-134a is less damaging to the ozone layer than R-22 but has a relatively high global warming potential.
Understanding the different types of refrigerants can help you make informed decisions about your AC unit.
How to Identify the Refrigerant In Your System
Identifying your refrigerant is important for maintenance and repairs. Here are a few tips to help you identify it.
- The unit label: Check the unit of your air conditioning located on the outdoor condenser or the indoor air handler.
- Manufacturer’s information: The owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website often provides information about the refrigerant type.
- Professional: If you’re lost, ask a professional, licensed HVAC technician to help identify the refrigerant in your system.
Accurately identifying your refrigerant helps prevent potential damage to your system, especially when something doesn’t seem right. Next, are signs that indicate your refrigerant needs attention.
Signs Your Refrigerant Needs Attention
If something is wrong with your refrigerant, it can significantly affect the performance of your air conditioning unit. These are common signs your refrigerant needs to be looked at.
- Reduced cooling: If your system is not cooling as effectively as it used to in your home, it might be due to low refrigerant levels.
- Ice buildup: Ice forming on the evaporator coil or refrigerant lines can indicate a refrigerant leak.
- Hissing or bubbling sounds: These noises can be a sign of a refrigerant leak.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to contact a professional HVAC technician to diagnose and fix the problem.
Stay Cool with Des Moines’ Trusted HVAC Technicians
Proper maintenance and regular checking of refrigerant are recommended for an efficient AC unit. Checking refrigerant levels at least once a year is ideal. Signing up for our Peace of Mind Service Plan checks refrigerant levels and ensures your AC and HVAC systems are working for year-round comfort. If you have any concerns about your air conditioning refrigerant or more, don’t hesitate to contact a professional of our HVAC team.