What Type of Coolant Does My AC Use?

There are many different coolants to choose from for your HVAC system in Fair Oaks, CA. If you’re still using R-22, then it’s definitely time to make the switch. Below are the most popular refrigerants used in AC systems and their various characteristics.

R-410A

If you’re not sure which coolant to purchase for your HVAC system, then R-410A is a safe bet. It’s one of the most common coolants used today and has been approved for residential HVAC systems. This type of coolant is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) gas, which causes the least amount of deterioration to the ozone layer.

The one downside to R-410A is that it operates at much higher pressures than other coolants. When purchasing coolant for your air conditioner, first make sure it’s compatible with your HVAC system. Consult your local HVAC contractor for guidance on how to choose a specific type of refrigerant.

R-134A

R-134A is another popular refrigerant used in AC systems. Similar to other types, R-134A is also comprised of HFC gas. Environmental scientists developed R-134A back in the 1990s after discovering that other types of coolants had a negative effect on the environment.

Being the first of its kind, R-134A was designed to be versatile, and is now the standard coolant used in vehicle HVAC systems, although it’s less common in residential HVAC. However, it still contributes slightly to the destruction of the ozone layer. Environmental scientists are currently developing a type of refrigerant that leaves zero footprint on the Earth’s atmosphere.

R-407C

Much like the other coolants mentioned here, R-407C is a type of coolant and not the actual brand name. Homeowners in Fair Oaks, CA looking to pick up R-407C coolant at their local home improvement store should look for a label that says either Suva or Genetron. R-407C is an HFC gas and a good choice for protecting the environment.

However, the refrigerant isn’t without its drawbacks. It’s less efficient than R-410A and R-134A coolants, making it less common among home air conditioners. One benefit R-407C has over more popular types is that the operating pressure comes closest to that of R-22, which was used in nearly all HVAC systems before it went out of commission. Systems running on R-22 will have an easy time converting to R-407C coolants.

Prohibited coolants

R-22 became outlawed in 2010 because it was rapidly deteriorating the ozone layer. Unlike other refrigerants used in AC systems, R-22 consists of hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) gas. Environmental scientists concluded that this molecular structure was very dangerous for the environment and could no longer be manufactured for HVAC systems. If your AC unit still runs on R-22, switch to one of the different types mentioned above.

Homeowners in Fair Oaks, CA should consult an expert before converting to a new refrigerant. In fact, an HVAC contractor might as well recharge the coolant for you. Hiring the team at Cassel Air Conditioning and Heating Service is the best way to guarantee your home’s AC unit will operate at its top performance. Reach out to us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Categorised in: Refrigerant Recharging

This post was written by Writer