What Helps Air Conditioners Cool?
Refrigerants are fluids within the air conditioning system that flow between the outdoor and indoor units. They absorb heat from the home's interior and carry it back outside to the exterior unit for release in a continuous loop that keeps the house cool and comfortable at the desired temperature.
Even the most expensive and fancy air-conditioning unit cannot keep a home cool without refrigerant. Yet, despite how important refrigerant is, most people know very little about them. To help homeowners understand more about this crucial air conditioning component, here are some answers to frequently asked questions about refrigerants.
What Refrigerant Does Your System Use?
One determining factor about which refrigerant to use is the age of the unit.
- For HVAC units made before 2010, R-22 is likely the refrigerant used.
- Units made in 2010 or later don’t use R-22 because, in 2010, it was banned from use in new air conditioners.
R-22, also known as Freon, was determined to be harmful to the ozone layer, so new production is no longer permitted in the United States. The only way to replenish any refrigerant lost to leaks in older units is to use reclaimed or recycled R-22. Because new production is banned in this country, the supply of recycled R-22 is dwindling, and the price for what does exist is quite high and will only get more expensive as less becomes available.
For environmental, logistical, and financial reasons, homeowners with older HVAC units that still use R-22 should strongly consider upgrading to a newer system that uses a different type of refrigerant. It is a good investment that will pay off in the long run.
Homeowners can check which refrigerant their AC uses by checking the appliance description sticker on the unit or the user manual. If they can't find it, an AC technician can help. Types of refrigerants are not interchangeable, and using the wrong type can damage the system.
Common Causes of Refrigerant Leaks
AC coolants flow in a closed loop. This means refrigerant does not get “used up” when the unit operates, and except for loss caused by damage or deterioration, it shouldn’t have to be re-filled.
But damage and deterioration can and do occur and cause leaks. Common causes of refrigerant leaks are:
- Vibrations that loosen fittings
- Normal wear and tear resulting in thinned tube walls
- Weakened joints and connections
- Factory defects
- Corrosion
- Improper installation
- Accidents
When Should Homeowners Opt for Professional Help?
Refrigerant is odorless, so leaks can go undetected for a long time. That means that homeowners should keep an eye out for signs of an AC refrigeration leak, such as:
- Higher-than-expected utility bills
- AC is not blowing cold air
- AC takes longer to cool
- Reduced airflow
- Increased interior humidity
- Hissing or whistling sounds
- The evaporator coil freezes up
- HVAC leaking water
- Bright yellow or green puddles around the unit
- Bubbles in the evaporator coils
Any time a refrigerant leak is suspected, it is time to call a professional HVAC specialist immediately. Although it can be tempting just to recharge the refrigerant, that is merely a temporary remedy that does nothing to fix the leak.
If brightly-colored puddles are around the unit, do not try to clean them up. Refrigerant is toxic to humans and animals, and a leak can create hazardous conditions. For safety reasons, homeowners should leave that job to a trained and experienced professional.
About Skovron Mechanical Services LLC.
Skovron Mechanical Services LLC. has over 15 years of experience serving the community of Manchester, NH, and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing, unparalleled customer service, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Call them today for air conditioning services in Manchester, NH.
