Why You Should Move Away From Using An AC Unit With Freon

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If you have been looking at updating your old air conditioning system to a much newer model, then this is a great way to increase the efficiency of your cooling system. Increased efficiency is not the only reason why an upgrade to a newer AC system is a good idea. This is also ideal if you want to get away from using old refrigerants like R-22. There are many reasons why this is a good idea.

The Refrigerant Is Bad For The Environment

R-22, chlorodifluoromethane, or Freon, is a chemical called hydrochlorofluorocarbon that has been used for many years as a refrigerant. The material is used in air conditioners and also in commercial refrigerators. While R-22 has been used extensively, it is currently going through a phase-out process in the United States. Appliances are no longer being created that use Freon, and the refrigerant will no longer be manufactured either. 

This means that you will be unlikely to find an HVAC professional who is able to recharge your cooling system if a leak happens to form. Leaks are highly probable in older AC units. Many of these leaks are seen as small pinholes along the copper cooling coils. This sort of corrosion is sometimes caused by formic acid that forms in the home and attacks the cooling coil in the basement part of the unit. Leaks may also be noted around the compressor pump and the various seals that attach the coolant lines to other parts in the system. 

Leaks can grow in size and substantially reduce the function of the cooling system. They also release Freon into the atmosphere. This is extremely bad for the environment because the chemical will degrade the ozone layer and cause holes to form in it. When openings form in the ozone layer, it can no longer absorb the ultraviolet rays of the sun. More of these rays reach the earth's surface and contribute to skin burning and cancer. UV rays also cause roof, driveway, road, and other types of material degradation. 

Newer Forms Of Refrigerant Are More Effective

Since Freon is being phased out, there are many types of newer refrigerants that are used in air conditioners. All of these refrigerants must meet environmental standards. The chemicals are hydrofluorocarbons instead of hydrochlorofluorocarbons. The hydrofluorocarbons do not deplete the ozone layer like other refrigerants. This means that the hydrofluorocarbons are better for the environment. 

If you like the way your AC unit ran, then opting for a device that uses an environmentally friendly refrigerant like R-407 is a good choice. This refrigerant acts a lot like Freon, and it is seen as a good direct alternative to R-22. However, if you want to invest in a more efficient and advanced AC unit, then you should look at a device that uses R-410A. This refrigerant must be placed under higher pressure. In general, the pressure is about 50% higher than that of Freon. This high pressure means that the unit can pull more heat out of the air that passes over the cooling coils. The unit in turn cools your home much more quickly. This can greatly reduce your electricity costs.

You know should that R-410A systems must be made in a may that they can withstand the high levels of pressure from the coolant. Due to the specialty nature of the appliance, it may be more expensive than a unit that uses something like R-407. You also will need to have the unit inspected for leaks on occasion. The high pressure refrigerant can cause leaks around seals, and the unit will need to be recharged if this happens. 

If you want a new air conditioning unit, then you need to choose the type of refrigerant that flows through the appliance carefully. Speak with your air conditioning installation technician to learn more about the choices that are available to you. 

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4 October 2016

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