Is your air conditioner operating at optimal levels? If not, call JC Mechanical to get your comfort back on track!
Do you know the mechanics behind how your air conditioning system works? Rather than adding cool air to your property, these HVAC systems cycle air over coils that contain chemicals to remove heat and humidity from it. Refrigerant is the chemical responsible for this cooling process, so the levels of coolant in AC units matter significantly to your unit’s performance.
If you have a refrigerant leak or operate on an old unit, you may need to JC Mechanical’s certified AC installation in Denver to update your system. Below, this team explains what coolant is, how it works, and why it’s essential in maintaining your indoor comfort.
Toxicology: What Is Coolant?
Ultimately, the coolant in an HVAC unit is a chemical. Most old refrigerants would be fluorocarbons. However, recent changes in environmental regulations have altered these chemicals’ popularity. Newer types of refrigerant include chemicals, such as:
- Ammonia
- Sulfur dioxide
- Hydrocarbons
Although these chemicals have a lower environmental impact, there is continuing work to develop safer coolants, so things may change.
How Air Conditioning Coolant Works
If you know how air conditioners work, you’ll understand how the unit’s coolant makes it possible to cool your home.
The process involves air cycling, which starts by running warm air over the evaporator coil. The refrigerant absorbs the heat, leaving cool air to keep cycling and make its way into your home. That’s how air conditioning coolant removes heat and humidity from your property’s interior spaces.
The evaporator and condenser coils contain this chemical in a closed-loop system. The heat dispels through your outdoor unit. So, it’s easy to see that, without coolant in AC units, your system could not cool your home.
Still, with the environmental concerns changing which refrigerant types you’ll find to replenish your stocks, installing a new air conditioner may help you avoid rising costs from low supplies.
Different Refrigerant Types
The refrigerant your current system utilizes depends on its age. These are the most popular refrigerant types:
R-22 (Freon)
R-22, or Freon, was the most common refrigerant in air conditioning units over the last few decades. Newer air conditioners are phasing out this coolant as a result of the Clean Air Act, so any air conditioners produced after 2010 will likely no longer utilize R-22 to operate. Additionally, since January 2020, the United States no longer produces or imports this type of refrigerant.
Due to the restrictions on R-22, systems that utilize this coolant type depend on a dwindling supply and are becoming more expensive to repair and maintain. Homeowners with older air conditioning that uses Freon should consider an upgrade.
R-410A
R-410A is the primary alternative to R-22 coolant in AC units, particularly as the legislative changes made Freon less viable. While R-410A is a more environmentally friendly refrigerant, coolant developers are constantly creating newer forms of these chemicals. Updating your air conditioning system allows you to take advantage of the most sustainable coolants, as well as the mechanical improvements and cooling efficiency at your disposal.
New Alternatives
Developing sustainable refrigerant options is a primary focus of most HVAC chemical companies. In fact, there are already more environmentally friendly alternatives to both R-22 and R-410A available. For example, some popular alternatives include R-32 and R-454B.
R-466A seems to be the most sustainable option currently receiving testing from the company Honeywell. However, as air conditioner technology improves, refrigerant options also get better. Staying on top of developing technologies can help you do your part for the environment (and save money on your monthly utility expenses!).
More About Refrigerant Leaks
Dangers of Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant leaks are not a common HVAC problem, but they can affect your home comfort system and pose a health risk to your family if the leak goes undetected. Refrigerant is a toxic chemical, and you should take a leak seriously. Getting system repairs when you notice the signs of possible coolant leaks is essential, both for energy-efficient cooling and for the sake of your health.
Even minor coolant leaks cause problems for an HVAC system, such as causing your evaporator coils to freeze. Ignoring a refrigerant leak could easily lead to major breakdowns as your system struggles to perform at optimal levels and overworks itself.
Causes of Refrigerant Leaks
If you’re going to avoid a potential coolant leak or identify one before it gets out of hand, you need to consider the potential causes of refrigerant leaks. From mechanical problems to normal wear and tear, there are many different reasons the coolant in AC units can start leaking. Wear and tear is one of the top causes of coolant leaks that routine maintenance from qualified HVAC professionals like JC Mechanical can help your HVAC system avoid.
Another reason for refrigerant leaks is often rust in your outdoor unit as a result of humidity and exposure to the elements. Chemicals and acidity from activities like spraying aerosols indoors can also cause pin-sized holes in your unit’s coils, which will gradually leak refrigerant.
Warning Signs of Refrigerant Leaks
Knowing the warning signs of refrigerant leaks can protect your family and the HVAC system. Some of the top warning signs of coolant leaks include the following:
- Issues with energy efficiency
- Frozen coils
- Water leaking from outdoor unit
- Warm air blowing from vents
- Strange noises during operation
Hire JC Mechanical’s Experts To Maintain Your Unit’s Coolant Levels
Whether you’re experiencing high-pressure lockout in heat pump operations or general HVAC problems, the top-rated professionals from JC Mechanical can help. Our experts can perform AC system maintenance, replace your air conditioner’s coolant levels, and help you optimize your indoor comfort.
At JC Mechanical, we believe that every homeowner deserves high-quality HVAC services to maintain their indoor comfort. That’s why we offer low-interest financing options so that everyone can obtain the HVAC services they deserve.
The coolant in AC units plays a major role in your indoor comfort. If it’s not doing its job, call 720–807-8953 today to have JC Mechanical come to the rescue.
Author Bio:
Jimmie Ciccone
Owner of JC Mechanical Heating & Air Conditioning. A small family-owned company with over 30 years of experience dedicated to providing the best service possible to our customers. They guarantee 100% customer satisfaction, and if you aren’t satisfied, then you don’t pay them a dime.