Freon, or R-22 refrigerant, is a non-combustible gas commonly used in air conditioning applications. It has also been used in refrigerator appliances and car air conditioning for decades. Although it is not comparable to fuel, which can get used over time, your AC unit prefers to have the right amount of Freon in its device. Air conditioning services by HVAC Repair Planet Burlingame can surely keep the state of your Freon in check in your AC unit.
R-22 refrigerant is not common in newer HVAC and air conditioning models. However, some establishments and households still use AC units older than ten years old. Regular air conditioner maintenance is required to keep these older AC models in check since replacing the Freon can be quite costly sometimes.
In this article, we learn more about the benefits of Freon in your AC unit and how it is utilized inside an air conditioning system.
How does Freon work in your Home?
The air conditioning unit is made up of a series of coils and compressors that runs around the internal processing unit of your air conditioning system. After knowing what Freon is, you should explore more about how Freon works in your Home.
In a residential setting, Freon circulates throughout the AC system. As Freon travels, it undergoes a series of processes:
- The compressor compresses cold Freon gas – A tiny bit of oil is used to lubricate the compressor with the Freon gas. When the gas is compressed, the pressure and temperature rise in the compressor.
- Hot Freon gas moves through a series of coils – The movement has the effect of lowering its temperature to convert it into a liquid. Afterward, the Freon liquid moves through an expansion valve.
- Freon liquid is in the expansion valve – After the Freon liquid is completely transferred to the expansion valve, it cools down until it evaporates. This process results in low-pressure Freon gas.
- Cold Freon gas is released – The cold gas is transported through another set of coils until it is released. The gas then absorbs heat and lowers the air temperature inside the Home.
The process occurs in an enclosed space, and it repeats after the freon is hot enough again. The air conditioning system does the rest of the job by filtering the air in the room and cleaning out dust and allergens from the air.
About Older AC Systems Still Using Freon
Unfortunately, R-22 is discouraged in newer AC units because of its ozone-depleting components and harmful environmental effects. The United States’ compliance with the Clean Air Act of 2010 aims to discontinue the procedure of making Freon.
Not only does Freon harm the Earth’s ozone layer, but the manufacturing process of the Freon substance is also just as harmful. Although the usage of Freon is restricted to an enclosed space inside your AC system, older appliances are still known to emit amounts of the Freon substance.
There are also disadvantages to still using an appliance that utilizes Freon. When Freon is deeply inhaled, the gas can cut off vital oxygen to your cells and lungs. Limited exposure, such as a spill on your skin, is only mildly harmful. But completely inhaling refrigerant fumes can be very dangerous. It can lead to breathing difficulty, lung fluid buildup, and organ damage.
Then, does that mean you should completely replace your AC unit with a newer model? Not exactly. You may need to refer your concern to our HVAC technicians if you are planning to upgrade your AC model at home.
Does Your AC Need Freon?
The thing is, your AC unit shouldn’t need more Freon than what is added by the manufacturer. The article section above discusses how the Freon is utilized in an air conditioning system, and the Freon gas only circulates inside an enclosed space. More Freon for your AC unit indicates a leak in your AC system. You may need air conditioning services by our licensed technicians at HVAC Repair Planet Burlingame to resolve your Freon problem at home.
A leaking Freon not only damages other components in your AC unit but also wears out your AC system faster, reducing its efficiency. Since most households need a working AC unit during the warmer months, it is important to know when is the right time to add Freon to your air conditioning unit at home:
- Air from the AC unit is not cold enough – When you notice that your air conditioning unit has been running for quite some time and doesn’t cool your indoor space, you may consider adding some Freon to your unit. Also, remember that the R-22 refrigerant, Freon, absorbs the heat in the air. During the summer months, your AC appliance will have to work overtime to keep up with the warm air consistently entering the house. Without enough Freon, your AC unit may be using more energy without outputting enough cool air to keep the room at a comfortable temperature.
- Higher Electric Bills – Just stated above, a lack of Freon on your AC unit may cause you to have a higher utility bill by the end of the month. Although this issue may usually be due to a defective component in your AC unit, it is still worth checking if the problem is the Freon itself.
- The buildup of Ice on Refrigerant Line – If you see a buildup of ice on the refrigerant line when you check the outdoor central air unit with the fan, this may be caused by the lack of Freon in your device. Defrosting your air conditioning unit won’t be able to do much good since the leak on your AC system will still be present the next time you use the appliance again.
- Hissing Sound from the Refrigerant Line – A leak on the refrigerant line can cause a lack of Freon in your AC unit. The sound comes from the Freon leaking out from your AC device.
With these ongoing problems that lead to a loss of Freon in your AC unit, it is better to call on the assistance of a licensed HVAC professional to help!
Dealing with Freon without the right equipment can be hazardous. It is better to seek the assistance of a certified HVAC specialist at HVAC Repair Planet Burlingame to handle your Freon problem at home safely.
