One of the key components of any air conditioner is the refrigerant. Refrigerants are the substances used within air conditioning systems to absorb and release heat, enabling the cooling process. With advancements in technology and increasing environmental concerns, different types of air conditioner refrigerants have been developed and are used today.
In this blog, Grove Heating & Cooling will explain the commonly used refrigerant types in Crofton, MD, including R-22, R-410A, and the emerging R-454B.
How Does Air Conditioner Refrigerant Work?
The AC refrigerant cycle is the heart of all air conditioners. It’s a complex process that allows an air conditioner to cool your home efficiently. Understanding this cycle can help you better appreciate how your AC unit works to cool air. Here’s a detailed look at the refrigerant cycle and how air conditioners work:
1. Evaporation
The cycle begins in the evaporator coil, which is located inside your home. The refrigerant enters the evaporator coil as a low-pressure, low-temperature liquid. As warm air from inside the home is blown over the coil, the air conditioner refrigerant absorbs heat from the air and evaporates, transforming into a low-pressure gas. This process removes heat from the hot air, cooling it before it is circulated back into your living spaces.
2. Compression
Next, the low-pressure gas refrigerant travels to the compressor, which is located in the outdoor unit of your air conditioner. The compressor compresses the gas, which increases its pressure and temperature. This high-pressure, high-temperature gas is then pushed towards the condenser coil.
3. Condensation
In the condenser coil, also located outside, the high-pressure gas releases the heat it absorbs from inside your home. As the outdoor air blows over the condenser coil, the refrigerant cools down and condenses back into a high-pressure liquid. This release of heat to the outside environment is what makes the condenser coil feel warm to the touch.
4. Expansion
The high-pressure liquid refrigerant then flows through an expansion valve or metering device, which regulates the flow of the refrigerant into the evaporator coil. This valve causes a rapid pressure drop, which significantly lowers the refrigerant’s temperature. The refrigerant re-enters the evaporator coil as a low-pressure, low-temperature liquid, ready to begin the cycle again.
Types of Air Conditioner Refrigerant
There are various refrigerant types found in air conditioning systems across Crofton, MD. The type of refrigerant air conditioners use is largely tied to system age, due to changes in regulations over the past years.
R-22: The Phase-Out
R-22, also known as Freon, was the standard refrigerant for residential air conditioning and heat pump systems for many decades. However, it has been gradually phased out due to its high ozone-depleting potential. As of January 1, 2010, R-22 Freon has been banned for use in newly manufactured air conditioners and heat pumps. Freon could only be produced, imported, or used in servicing existing HVAC systems that used this type of refrigerant.
By January 1, 2020, the production and importation of R-22 were completely phased out in the United States and the only R-22 available is from existing supplies or recycled refrigerant. As such, servicing these systems has become increasingly expensive and challenging as the availability of R-22 dwindles. This means if your AC system has a refrigerant leak and needs to be recharged with Freon to replenish refrigerant levels once repaired, it may be quite costly.
Homeowners in the Crofton, MD, community with older systems using R-22 should consider transitioning to air conditioners with newer, more environmentally friendly refrigerants to avoid high AC repair and maintenance costs.
R-410A: The Current Standard
R-410A, often branded as Puron, emerged as the leading replacement for R-22. Introduced in the 1990s, R-410A is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) that does not deplete the ozone layer, making it a more environmentally friendly option. It also has superior heat absorption and release capabilities compared to R-22, resulting in more efficient cooling.
Systems designed for R-410A operate at higher pressures, necessitating specialized components and equipment. This means that R-22 systems cannot simply be refilled with R-410A; a complete system overhaul is required. Due to the age of existing R-22 systems, installing a new air conditioner is preferred.
Air conditioners manufactured from 2010 until recently largely use R-410A as their type of refrigerant. Due to the refrigerant’s higher greenhouse gas effect and the risk of refrigerant leaks, the use of R-410A in newly manufactured HVAC systems will be banned starting in 2025. As of now, R-410A will still be available to service existing systems.
R-454B: The Future of Refrigerants
As environmental regulations continue to tighten, the HVAC industry is constantly innovating to find even more sustainable solutions. One of the most promising new refrigerants on the market is R-454B, which is designed to offer a lower global warming potential (GWP) than R-410A while maintaining excellent performance.
Many HVAC manufacturers have already started to adopt the use of this AC refrigerant over the past year or so. While not all new air conditioners today are required to use R-454B, there are many equipment options already available.
Transitioning to New Refrigerants
For homeowners in Crofton, MD, considering upgrading or replacing their air conditioning systems, understanding the benefits and limitations of different refrigerants is essential. Transitioning from R-22 to a modern air conditioning refrigerant like R-410A or the even newer R-454B involves several steps:
- Assessment of Current System: Evaluate the existing air conditioning system to determine if it is still using R-22. If so, consider the costs of maintaining the system versus upgrading to a new one.
- Consulting HVAC Professionals: Seek advice from the HVAC professionals at Grove Heating & Cooling, who can provide insights into the best refrigerant options based on specific needs, budget, and environmental considerations.
- System Replacement: If upgrading to R-410A or R-454B, a complete air conditioning replacement will likely be necessary. New systems made with these refrigerants use compressors, coils, and other components designed to handle the higher pressures of modern refrigerants.
Whether you’re dealing with an aging R-22 system or looking to upgrade to the latest refrigerant technology, our team of experts is here to help. We offer comprehensive assessments, professional advice, and top-tier installation services to ensure your home remains cool and comfortable all year round.
Our commitment to excellence extends beyond just providing cooling solutions. We are dedicated to educating our customers about the environmental impact of their choices and helping them make informed decisions that benefit both their homes and the planet.
Trusted Guidance on Air Conditioner Refrigerant Types
In Crofton, MD, the type of AC refrigerant your air conditioner uses impacts your comfort, energy bills, and the environment. With the phase-out of R-22, the adoption of R-410A as the current standard, and the promising future of R-454B, there are multiple options to consider if you need to install a new air conditioner this summer.
Each refrigerant has its benefits and challenges, but with the right guidance and expertise from professionals like those at Grove Heating & Cooling, you can find the perfect solution for your needs. Contact us today to discuss your options and make the right choice for your new air conditioning installation.