Which Types of Refrigerant Should You Use?
There's nothing worse than coming home to a sweltering house on a hot summer day. Or, worse yet, discovering that your AC unit has stopped working entirely. Whether you own a residential home or commercial property, having a functional air conditioning unit is critical to your comfort.
But what many people don't realize is that the type of refrigerant your AC unit uses can have a significant impact on its efficiency and overall performance.
When your air conditioner breaks down, you might be tempted just to buy any refrigerant to get it up and running again. However, that would be a mistake.
There are two main types of refrigerants that operate most modern AC units —R-22 and R-410A—and they are not interchangeable. So how can you know which type of refrigerant is right for your home or business?
Here's a quick rundown of R-22 and R-410A refrigerants to help you make an informed decision:
What is R-22?
R-22 is a type of hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerant that was once widely used in AC units. However, due to its harmful effect on the environment, the production of R-22 has been phased out and will soon be difficult to find.
If your AC unit uses R-22, you'll have to pay a significantly higher price for the refrigerant since it's becoming increasingly scarce. In addition, your AC unit will be less efficient because R-22 has a lower cooling capacity than R-410A. This is because R-22 has a lower operating pressure, which means it can't cool your home as effectively.
What is R-410A?
R-410A is a type of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant that is much more environmentally friendly than R-22. In addition, R-410A has a much higher cooling capacity than R-22, so your AC unit will be more efficient. R-410A works by using higher operating pressure, which means it can cool your home more effectively.
If you're in the market for a new AC unit, or if your old AC unit needs to be replaced, R-410A is the way to go. It's more environmentally friendly and will keep your home cooler and more comfortable.
Plus, you can save on the overall cost of AC repairs and replacement by choosing an AC unit that uses R-410A refrigerant - as it's less likely to cause major leaks due to pressure.
If you own an AC unit that uses R-22 refrigerant, you can still have it serviced by a professional. However, keep in mind that the price of R-22 will continue to rise as the supply dwindles.
You may also want to consider replacing your old AC unit with a new one that uses R-410A refrigerant. Not only will you be doing your part to help the environment, but you'll also save money in the long run.
How to Choose the Right Types of Refrigerant
When it comes to choosing the right refrigerant for your home or business, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
01.
Know Your Unit: First and foremost, you need to know what type of AC unit you have. If your unit uses R-22, it's essential to keep in mind that the price of this refrigerant will continue to rise as production is phased out. You may want to consider replacing your unit with a newer model that uses R-410A.
02.
Never Attempt to Refill Your Own Unit: AC units are complex pieces of machinery and should only be serviced by a trained professional. If you attempt to refill your own unit, you could damage it beyond repair.
03.
Choose the Right Refrigerant for Your Unit: Not all refrigerants are created equal. Make sure you're using the right type of refrigerant for your AC unit to ensure optimal performance.
Making the switch to R-410A is the best way to keep your AC unit running efficiently and effectively. Not only will you be doing your part to help the environment, but you'll also save money in the long run.
If you're not sure whether or not your AC unit uses R-22, contact The AC Guy to learn more. We'll be happy to help you choose the right refrigerant for your home or business.
Service Your AC Right with The AC Guy
When choosing the best way to service your AC, trust the experts. The AC Guy is the Conroe, TX and Woodlands, TX, HVAC specialist with over 35 years of experience. We are committed to helping homeowners and businesses choose the right air conditioning solutions.
Give us a call today at 281-419-8035 to learn more, or schedule a service online! We'll help keep your Woodlands, TX, home cool all summer long.
281-419-8035