What Your AC’s Refrigerant Does

refrigerantThe refrigerant is a chemical blend found in your air conditioning system. It cools your home by expanding and vaporizing.

The cooling cycle of your AC is an interesting topic, especially if you are curious as to how your A/C works. After all, there are many uses for refrigerant than just air conditioning systems. It is present in other freezing and refrigeration technologies as well.

Contact R.F. Ohl for all your HVAC concerns. Our team of NATE certified technicians can provide you with superior heating and cooling services that fit your needs and budget. Our HVAC contractors have adequate knowledge and experience to service your system correctly.

We offer a wide range of HVAC services including AC tune-ups, heating and cooling installations, furnace repairs, and more. Call us today and schedule an appointment. We offer free estimates.

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Air Conditioner Repair Tips: The Role Of Refrigerant

Refrigerants are essential in our daily lives. We use them more than you may realize. Therefore, it is logical that you learn more about it since it is something that significantly impacts your life. In this article, we will discuss the use and purpose of coolant in your cooling system.

Purpose Of Refrigerant

ACThe cooling process is simple. The refrigerant moves between the indoor and outdoor coils. These coils are made of copper, an excellent heat conductor. While in the indoor coils, the refrigerant absorbs heat from inside your home. Next, the coolant moves to the outdoor coils. The heat is then released outside. The cold air returns inside and your cooling system dispurses this air throughout your house. The process repeats until the AC meets the desired temperature and your air conditioner shuts off.

The amount of refrigerant your AC has is referred to as “charge.” An air conditioning system whose coolant is low or too high does not perform energy efficiently. Moreover, your AC becomes susceptible to deterioration. It could eventually lead to an air conditioner not turning on or compressor failure. Therefore, the charge must be at the correct level to ensure that your AC is running at peak efficiency. If you think that you are facing a situation like this, be sure to call a technician. They can find any air conditioner problems and solutions.

Replacing Refrigerant

During the refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant changes from liquid to gas. The refrigerant doesn’t lose its charge during this process. Therefore, there should be no need to replace your coolant.

Unfortunately, refrigerant leaks happen. Pin-sized holes can make your refrigerant lose its charge. However, fixing the leak is not as easy as adding more refrigerant in your air conditioner. You can look at your outdoor unit to see if you find a leak and to conduct any air conditioner troubleshooting. However, it is best to contact a trusted local HVAC technician to repair the leak immediately.

A technician has the tools, knowledge, and expertise to fix the leak correctly. Moreover, a professional will check the repair, and then charge your AC with the adequate amount of refrigerant. An adequately licensed HVAC contractor also is an EPA certified technician. They have the knowledge to handle this coolant. Do not attempt to remedy a problem like this yourself. It is not as simple as searching for “how to fix air conditioner not cooling”. Instead, search for “air conditioner repair near me” to find a reputable heating and cooling company in your area.

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Types Of Refrigerants

air conditioner coolantThrough the years, A/C systems have used three types of refrigerants. These are chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), and hydrofluorocarbon (HFC).

CFC was first manufactured in the 1930s. It was used until the late 1980s when it was found out that CFC was an ozone-depleting substance. The signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987 prohibited the further use of CFCs.

As a substitute for CFC, HCFC was created. They are energy-efficient, cost-effective, and low in toxicity. Its ozone-depleting potential was reduced to only 10 percent. Unfortunately, it still impacts the atmosphere. Because it is a greenhouse gas, the Environmental Protection Agency directed that HCFC be phased-out in 2010.  HCFCs will be produced by 2020.

Modern A/Cs no longer use R-22 as refrigerants. They use a type of HFC called R-410A. HFC is deemed to be safer for the atmosphere. The ozone-depleting chlorine atom was removed from the blend. Also, it helps your cooling system be more energy-efficient and cost-effective.

Importance Of Refrigerant In Your HVAC System

An air conditioner needs refrigerant to perform its task of dehumidifying your home and cooling your house down. During the summer, your home will end up hot and humid without an A/C. You and your family will be too hot to feel adequately comfortable in your home.

Also, without refrigerant, we wouldn’t have a refrigerator or a freezer, two appliances that have changed the way that we live today. A fridge and a freezer are where we store foods. The cold temperature helps slow down microorganisms that would otherwise spoil our food at a faster rate. It also helps preserve our foods’ tastes and nutritional values.

Overall, refrigerant is essential in our day-to-day lives. It has significantly helped make our lives more comfortable.

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Conclusion

The refrigerant is a vital component of your air conditioner. It ensures that your system can perform its cooling function. Without it, your AC will only blow room temperature air, like a fan. Hence, to prevent refrigerant-related problems, it is essential to conduct routine maintenance for your A/C.

Preventative maintenance includes regular filter changes, keeping your air vents and outdoor unit clear from obstructions, and scheduling annual tune-ups and repairs when necessary. When an HVAC technician conducts a tune-up, they will check to see if your refrigerant has the correct charge. They will also make sure that there are no leaks present in your system.

R.F. Ohl provides superior HVAC services. We specialize in AC tune-ups, heating and cooling repairs, furnace installations, and other home comfort needs. You can rest assured that by working with us, we will provide you with quality services that are affordable. Call us today to schedule an appointment. We offer free estimates.

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Contact us today or give us a call at (610) 377-1098 if you have any questions.