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What Is Refrigerant and How Does It (844) 390-0087
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Refrigerant is a compound typically found in either a fluid or gaseous state. It readily
Select
absorbs heat from the environment and can provide refrigeration or air conditioning when
combined with other components such as compressors and evaporators. If you’ve heard How can we help?
about the R22 refrigerant phase out in favor of R410A refrigerant, you might be especially
interested to know more about how refrigerant works and what part it plays in cooling your
home.

How Refrigerant Works Would you like to receive the latest offers, updates, and
helpful tips?

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Without refrigerant, there would be no air conditioning, refrigeration or freezing technology.
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Air conditioners contain refrigerant inside copper coils. As refrigerant absorbs heat from
indoor air, it transitions from a low-pressure gas to a high-pressure liquid. Air conditioning
components send the refrigerant outside where a fan blows hot air over the coils and
exhausts it to the exterior.

The refrigerant then cools down and turns back into a low-pressure gas. Another fan
located inside the home blows air over the cool coils to distribute the resulting cold air
throughout the building. Then the cycle repeats.

Types of Refrigerants
The most common refrigerants used for air conditioning over the years include:

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), including R12. This is known to contribute to the

greenhouse gas effect. Production of new stocks ceased in 1994.
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), including R22. Slightly less damaging to the
ozone than R12, but the EPA has still mandated a phase out as a result of the Clean Air
Act of 2010. R22 will phase out completely by 2020.
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), including R410A and R134. With no chlorine in the mix,
this is safer for the environment and is now being used in place of R22. Air conditioners
that run on R410A are more efficient, offer better air quality, increase comfort and
improve reliability.

Laws
Laws Governing
Governing the
the Use
Use of
of Refrigerant
Refrigerant
in
in Air
Air Conditioners
Conditioners
Even though R410A is an HFC, meaning it’s better for the environment than other types of
refrigerant, it isn’t 100 percent safe. This fact has prompted the EPA to establish a few rules
regarding the handling and disposal of refrigerant:

Intentionally venting refrigerant is prohibited. Low-loss fittings must be used to limit the
amount of refrigerant released while purging, connecting or disconnecting air
conditioners.
Technicians must do their best to recapture, recycle and dispose of refrigerant safely.
Air conditioners and other appliances that use refrigerant must be disposed of
according to the EPA’s disposal rules.
Refrigerant leaks must be repaired within 30 days.
Only licensed heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) companies and
technicians can purchase refrigerant.
Violation of these and other refrigerant regulations result in harsh punishments from the
EPA, including fees of up to $37,500 per day.

Is
Is it
it Time
Time to
to Upgrade?
Upgrade?
Go outside and take a look at the exterior component of your air conditioner. If it says R22
on the side, you’re cooling your home with an outdated, environmentally hazardous
refrigerant. The EPA doesn’t require you to upgrade your equipment immediately, but if the
system springs a refrigerant leak, depleting supplies of R22 could make the repair more
expensive than it’s worth.

You can’t simply replace R22 with R410A because system parts aren’t compatible. This
means the next time your aging air conditioner requires a repair – especially a refrigerant-
related one – it’s probably time to upgrade to a unit that runs on R410A. While this requires
an investment, the resulting increased efficiency, better air quality, increased comfort and
improved reliability are worth it.

When you’re ready to explore upgrading to an R410A air conditioner, please contact Aire
Serv®. We offer free estimates, accurate sizing, flexible financing options and extended
warranty plans for the best upgrade experience possible.

For
For Further
Further Reading:
Reading:
Best Ways to Remember to Change Your Air Filter

Which Air Filter Is Right for You?

Air Quality Testing

Catch the Culprits: Allergens

Can a Power Surge Affect Your HVAC System?

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