Everything to Know About AC Refrigerant

Key Takeaways 

• AC refrigerant is passed through evaporator coils, to absorb the heat from outdoor air, which then creates cool air that is circulated throughout your home. 
• There are many types of refrigerant, but the standard is R410-A because of its cooling capabilities and less harmful effects on the environment. 
• R22 refrigerant has been banned in the US and is not recommended for use due to its harmful gasses that are released.
• A few things can be done to make sure your refrigerant is working properly such as checking for leaks and getting routine HVAC maintenance. 

Do you know the importance of AC refrigerants? It is one of the key components to keeping you cool! Think of it as the magic ingredient to keep your home nice and chill. Here is everything you need to know about AC refrigerant including the types, why it’s important and maintenance: 

What is an AC Refrigerant?

AC refrigerant is the chemical compound that absorbs heat from the outdoor air, which then releases the cold air into your home. This process happens when the evaporator coils are filled with the refrigerant, and the warm outdoor air is passed through it which turns it into cool air. Without the proper refrigerant, the HVAC systems would not perform at peak level and can prevent the proper cooling throughout your home. 

What are the Types of AC Refrigerants? 

There are many types of AC refrigerants on the market, so it’s important to know the pros and cons of each. Here are the most commonly used refrigerants:

R22

R22 was one of the most popular AC refrigerants in the late 2010s because of its capability of cooling homes effectively. It was also popular due to the it’s ability to be used in older HVAC systems. 

However, R22 is one of the most harmful refrigerants due to it being harmful to the environment. Now, this refrigerant is banned in the US. Since it is banned, the price of this refrigerant has gone up significantly and is harder to obtain. 

If your current system is running with R22, it’s a good idea to call The Chill Brothers to make the switch to a less harmful refrigerant such as R410-A. They service many areas including HVAC repair Dallas. 

R410-A

R410-A is currently the standard of AC refrigerants. Not only is this refrigerant capable of cooling your home energy efficiently, it is also better for the environment! It releases no gasses that are harmful to the ozone layer. Most HVAC providers will use this refrigerant. 

There are only a few cons of R410-A including: cannot be used on existing systems that were using other refrigerants such as R22 and due to the max energy efficiency, it can cause pressure issues with older HVAC systems. 

If you are ready to make the switch to aid in a healthier environment and better energy savings, contact the professionals at The Chill Brothers to upgrade your system! New systems that use R410-A can cool your home more accurately, without causing your energy bills to skyrocket. Right now, The Chill Brothers will buy back your old HVAC system for up to $2,000 when you upgrade with them. Give them a call today or visit their website for more information. 

AC Refrigerant Maintenance 

Since AC refrigerant is crucial in keeping your home cool, there are a few maintenance steps that need to be done to ensure your comfortability. To start, you can check for any refrigerant leaks. Typically, leaks happen over time with normal wear and tear. Here are some signs of refrigerant leaks: 

• Hissing noises
• High energy bills 
• Frozen evaporator coils 
• No cool air being circulated 

If you are experiencing these signs, contact your trusted HVAC dealer. It is important to know that AC refrigerant can become dangerous and should only be used by a professional. 

Want to stay ahead on HVAC maintenance and prevent refrigerant leaks? The Chill Brothers recommended enrolling in their Chill Preventative Maintenance Plan! With this plan, you can receive bi-annual tune-ups which allows technicians to accurately inspect the unit and make sure there are no leaks. Give them a call today to enroll! 

Whether it be AC refrigerant, preventative maintenance or HVAC installation, The Chill Brothers got you covered!

Francis Kaspar

I’m Francis Kaspar, a 35-year-old HVAC technician with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I hold a certification in HVAC technology from Texas State Technical College, where I gained hands-on skills that shaped my career.

Currently, I’m working at The Chill Brothers, specializing in AC installation, repair, and energy-efficient solutions. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two kids.

I’m also passionate about sharing my HVAC knowledge written by articles that provide practical tips and tricks for homeowners.