Understanding Refrigerants: What You Need to Know

What's a Refrigerant?

Refrigerants may seem like a complex topic, but at its core, it's all about how your cooling system works. Simply put, a refrigerant is a fluid/gas mixture that efficiently absorbs infrared heat. In other words, it's the magic substance that takes the heat from inside your home and releases it into the environment. 

The R-22 Conundrum: Why It Matters

In the realm of refrigerants, there are various options like R-410a, R-407c, R-134, and many more. While we won't delve into the nitty-gritty details of each variant, let's focus on one notorious player - chlorodifluoromethane, better known as HCFC-22 or R-22, sometimes even referred to as Freon. But why is this particular refrigerant causing such a stir in recent years?

R-22 rose to fame swiftly after its introduction in 1960. It became the go-to refrigerant for both commercial and residential air conditioners, thanks to its cost-effectiveness and efficiency. If your home was constructed before 2010, there's a good chance your A/C system is running on R-22.

However, a few decades ago, scientists made a concerning discovery. R-22 was found to be harmful to the Earth's ozone layer. The manufacturing process produced potent greenhouse gases that were damaging the ozone layer. This alarming revelation led to a worldwide agreement known as The Montreal Treaty in 1987. The objective? To phase out hydrochlorofluorocarbons, including R-22, by 2030.

As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set January 1, 2020, as the cutoff date for importing or manufacturing R-22. Consequently, the price of R-22 has been steadily climbing each year since then.

Exploring Alternatives

The good news is that you have alternatives, and you won't need to raid your savings or resort to the black market to keep your cooling system running smoothly. Enter R-407c, a non-ozone-depleting hydrofluorocarbon. It's not only safer for the environment but also just as effective and more budget-friendly compared to its counterpart, R-22.

However, there's a crucial caveat: never mix R-22 and R-407c. Doing so could damage your compressor and create a costly repair situation. Always seek the guidance of a licensed service professional when servicing your air conditioner to ensure it continues to function efficiently and responsibly.

In conclusion, refrigerants play a vital role in maintaining our comfort, but we must be mindful of their environmental impact. Understanding the transition away from R-22 and embracing eco-friendly alternatives like R-407c can make a significant difference in preserving our planet while keeping our homes cool.

Why Should I Change Air Filter Regularly?

The Top 5 Effects of a Dirty Air Filter

1. The lack of air circulation causes the evaporator coil to freeze because the warm air that your return intakes from your home no longer flows fast enough through the evaporator coil. The lack of proper air circulation disturbs the balance of heat exchange between the evaporator coil and the warm air that comes through from your home.
   

2. Because your system is no longer circulating cold air efficiently, it stresses your blower motor causing it to overheat and work harder shortening the blower motors lifespan substantially.
   

3. It also increases the number of allergens in your home and increases the chance of mold build up in your system, which, can be a big problem, especially for those with asthma or other breathing difficulties.  
   

4. Your energy bill increases because your system works harder and inefficiently.
   

5. If you have a split-system unit, (meaning a unit that has the condenser coil outside usually sitting on the ground and the blower motor and evaporator coil inside a closet, garage or attic) it can cause the drain pan to melt when the heater is enabled because of the increase of heat in the air handler. Consequently, it can cause your A/C system when enabled, to leak the condensation build up from the evaporator coil into your home, causing expensive water damage.

Effects of dirty air filter on A/C

How Often Should I Change My Filter?

We generally recommend our customers to change their filter every month to get the best results from their system. Changing your air filter once a month increases the longevity of your system, lowers your energy bill, and keeps your air cleaner and purer. This simple and inexpensive practice can save you lots of money and headaches down the road.