The Importance of Freon for an AC
There are several possible causes for an AC not working as it should. Freon, the refrigerant that powers the system, is a common cause of a malfunction. However, most users don't know the significance of Freon or its purpose in the AC. Luckily, we will explain precisely why it is so important.
What is Freon?
Dupont trademarks the term "Freon" to describe a colorless gas that produces cool air in the refrigeration and air conditioning industries. Chlorofluorocarbons are also known as R-22 (CFC). R-22 has often been associated with global warming as it is known to deplete the ozone layer.
The Montreal Protocol is an international agreement to reduce the use of CFCs. To comply with the agreement, the United States committed to reducing its baseline use by 99.5% by the start of 2020. However, this does not imply that R-22 will no longer be available. Instead, it will be more difficult and expensive to obtain, making it more challenging to refill older systems.
R-134a, a Tetrafluoroethane from the HFC family, is the refrigerant of choice for most newer systems.
What's its role in an AC system?
Freon exchanges inner temperatures with the surrounding environment.
An AC system relies on Freon to cool the hot air in a space. As a result, Freon leaks can cause a wide range of issues. HVAC technicians who have received special training in this area can repair these units. However, the process takes time.
The technician must first remove all remaining Freon from the system to find the leak. Please note that they may need to do some soldering to repair the leak. After the leak is repaired, the technician will perform a leak test before refilling the Freon. A single leak can indicate more leaks in older AC systems. Additionally, new aluminum evaporator coils are anti-corrosion, making them less likely to leak.
Not surprisingly, refilling Freon is a complicated procedure, despite many do-it-yourself kits available at most hardware stores. Therefore, many experts recommend that a trained professional do Freon fill-ups and AC replacements.
Signs of Freon leakage
If there is a problem with Freon, it will be visible right away. The AC unit won't work as well as it should. Freon leaks emit their characteristic hissing sound, making it easier to detect. Also, watch out for ice buildup outside the unit, warm air coming out of vents, and increased utility bills.
If you suspect a Freon problem, contact a professional to come out to take a look. The professional will inspect the unit, locate and repair the leak, and refill the Freon to normal levels. Typically, this is all that's necessary to get your AC system back in working order.
Modern Air Conditioning & Heating is a Boulder City-based HVAC company offering 15 years of experience in residential and commercial HVAC services for all makes and models. You can also call us directly at (702) 919-4365.
