Refrigerant FAQs

What Exactly Are Refrigerants?

Refrigerants are a crucial part of many technologies used in daily life, from vehicles to refrigerators to home HVAC systems - yet most people don’t know much about them. But they're worth learning about due to their prevalence and how much everyone relies on them. So this article will answer a few of the most commonly asked questions about refrigerants. First, what are refrigerants?

Refrigerants are chemical compounds that exist in either a liquid or gaseous state that help transfer heat energy in a heat pump system. An air conditioner (a form of heat pump) has copper coils filled with refrigerant. A fan blows indoor air over these coils, and the refrigerant inside - in a gaseous state - absorbs heat from the air. As it absorbs heat, it changes into liquid form and is pumped to another set of copper coils outside. Another fan blows outdoor air over these coils, releasing the heat radiated by the refrigerant. The cycle then repeats until the desired indoor temperature is achieved.

Which Is the Right Refrigerant To Use?

It’s important to understand what refrigerant is and how it works, but it’s equally important to understand the distinction between different types of refrigerants. The most common types of refrigerants are R12, R22, R134, and R410A.

It’s rare to find air conditioners that use R12 these days since production stopped in 1994 due to R12’s negative impact on greenhouse gas. R22 - more commonly known as Freon - has been phased out since 2010 for similar reasons, but many homeowners still have older AC units that use R22. R134 and R410A are more environmentally friendly and are found in most air conditioning systems today.

It’s important to note that these different types are not interchangeable, and adding the wrong one to the unit can damage or cause it to break down. Homeowners can determine which type of refrigerant their air conditioning unit uses by looking at their owner’s manual or the appliance description sticker on the unit. If these can’t be found or the information is missing, they can simply contact a qualified technician or the AC installer to determine the correct refrigerant.

What Can Cause a Refrigerant Leak?

Most people won’t have to worry about recharging their AC’s refrigerant levels unless there’s a leak. Refrigerant leaks can occur due to a variety of causes. General wear and tear is a leading cause of refrigerant leaks, particularly among older units. Another cause of leaks is when joints, valves, and rubber seals around the service valve wear out and loosen over time. Leaks can also occur when the outdoor coils become damaged due to external factors or refrigerant lines rust. 

Formaldehyde, a compound found in many building materials, can turn into formic acid on copper coils, causing what’s known as formicary corrosion. This can cause pinhole leaks in the copper tubing over time. It is more common in older units since it usually takes a few years to cause leaks. Still, it is one of the leading causes of refrigerant leaks, which is why many HVAC manufacturers use aluminum coils for greater corrosion resistance.

When Should One Call an HVAC Professional?

Refrigerant leaks are generally odorless and invisible to the naked eye, so homeowners will usually need to rely more on spotting the symptoms of a leak rather than trying to detect the leak itself. One possible exception is a hissing or gurgling noise from the AC unit or refrigerant lines, but most leaks are more subtle.

If the AC isn’t cooling properly, isn’t cooling as effectively as it used to, or warm air is coming from the vents, it may indicate a refrigerant leak. If possible, homeowners can look at the evaporator coils in their air handler unit to see if they’re damaged, rusty, or covered in ice. Frozen coils often point to a refrigerant leak.

Even today’s less environmentally harmful refrigerants are still toxic to humans and animals, so a refrigerant leak is an urgent matter. If homeowners notice any of the above signs of a refrigerant leak, they should contact an HVAC service professional to investigate and resolve the issue as soon as possible.

About Swick Home Services

Swick Home Services has over 40 years of experience serving the community of Marquette, MI, and the surrounding areas. They provide 24/7 support, financing, and an apples-to-apples price match guarantee. Call them today for air conditioning services in Marquette, MI.

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