Your air conditioning (AC) system is dependent upon refrigerant.
Refrigerant is the substance that collects heat from inside your home so that it can be removed, thereby cooling your home’s interior. Without it, your AC system won’t be able to produce cold air.
While AC systems have traditionally used chlorofluorocarbons (CFC)-based refrigerant, though, this is no longer the case. CFC-based refrigerant has since been phased out.
You won’t find any new AC systems that use CFC-based refrigerants.
What Is Freon?
CFC is a type of refrigerant that, up until recently, was commonly used in residential and commercial AC systems.
Like all refrigerants, it’s able to absorb heat from its surrounding environment. CFC-based refrigerant, though, is defined by its use of CFC chemicals. It contains carbon, chlorine and fluorine. The presence of these chemicals is what distinguishes CFC-based refrigerant from other types of refrigerant.
Some of the most common CFC-based refrigerants include the following:
- R-22
- R-12
- R-13B1
Why CFC-Based Refrigerant Has Been Phased Out
You won’t find any new AC systems that use CFC-based refrigerants.
In 1992, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced plans to phase out the use of CFC-based refrigerants in AC systems. The EPA cited studies showing that CFC-based refrigerant promotes the depletion of the Earth’s ozone layer.
CFC-based refrigerant is capable of changing its state. In other words, it can change from a liquid state to a gas state and vise versa. In a gas state, CFC-based refrigerant will dissipate into the atmosphere where it’s able to break down the ozone layer.
As a result, the EPA no longer allows new AC systems – and new heat pumps for that matter – to use CFC-based refrigerants. Instead, they must use an alternative type of refrigerant, such as R-410A.
Can You Still Use CFC-Based Refrigerant?
It’s important to note that many AC systems still use CFC-based refrigerants. CFC-based refrigerant is only prohibited in new AC systems. If you have an old AC system, there’s a chance it may use CFC-based refrigerant.
While the EPA doesn’t force homeowners to replace their AC systems if they use CFC-based refrigerant, it’s still a good idea to do so. Aside from its harmful effects on the ozone layer, there’s a limited supply of CFC-based refrigerant, for instance. If your AC system runs out of CFC-based refrigerant, you may struggle to get it recharged.
Additionally, CFC-based refrigerant is less efficient than its R-410A counterpart. It’s able to absorb, as well as release, more heat, allowing for better cooling properties.
If you are experiencing a problem with your air conditioning or heating call us at 512-336-1431 to schedule an appointment. We’ll be glad to come out and take a look at the issue.
1431-183 A/C & Heating proudly serves Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Leander, Liberty Hill, and North Austin.
