What Is Freon and How Does It Function?

You might assume your air conditioner uses a substance called Freon. All air conditioners, including those in cars, rely on refrigerants to cool warm air. Freon is simply one type of refrigerant used in AC systems.

However, Freon is not the only refrigerant available, and not every air conditioner uses Freon to generate cool air. Let’s go over some basic information about Freon first.

What Is AC Freon?

Freon is a registered trademark of DuPont for their proprietary R-22 refrigerant. Similar to other brand names like Q-tips or Kleenex, other air conditioning refrigerants, such as R-12 and R-410A, are often casually referred to as Freon.

These odorless gases capture heat and moisture before releasing them outdoors. While Freon can theoretically last indefinitely in your air conditioner, most systems will eventually experience a Freon leak, necessitating a refill.

3 Steps to Maximize the Efficiency of Your Home Air Conditioner

Air conditioners are a valuable convenience in many homes, but in regions with scorching summers, they are essential appliances to keep indoor temperatures comfortable when the mercury hits triple digits.

Follow these key maintenance practices to prolong the lifespan of your AC unit and keep your home cool for many years to come.

1. Regularly monitor your Freon levels.

Low refrigerant levels due to minor Freon leaks are among the most frequent reasons for poor AC performance. Checking your refrigerant levels monthly helps you stay on top of your maintenance schedule and can alert you to potential system failures early on. A quick Freon recharge could be all it takes to get your AC running smoothly again.

2. Conduct regular maintenance to optimize your air conditioners.

By learning a few simple DIY tasks, such as trimming your landscaping for better air circulation, inspecting your system for Freon leaks, cleaning the vents, and replacing air filters, you can greatly extend the efficiency and lifespan of your outdoor air conditioners.

There are numerous DIY guides available online that can provide detailed, step-by-step instructions for these tasks. However, if you feel unsure about your skills or knowledge, it’s always wise to hire a professional to avoid risking damage to your expensive equipment through trial and error.

3. Arrange for yearly inspections of your air conditioning system with a certified HVAC technician.

Don’t wait for the hot weather to start scheduling an appointment with a professional. HVAC technicians are trained to detect and address early signs of failing heating and cooling systems.

Routine inspections can save you money by allowing small parts, such as a compressor or condenser, to be replaced before you need to replace the entire AC system. HVAC professionals can also provide a quick Freon top-up and repair refrigerant leaks to ensure your system works efficiently during the warmer months when you need it the most.

Disadvantages of Freon AC Systems

Manufacturers of Freon gases, also known as hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), argue that there are minimal health risks associated with their typical use in well-maintained air conditioning systems.

However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that these claims often overlook the chronic toxicity risks posed by leaking refrigerant liquid and tend to downplay the broader environmental consequences of their global use.

The EPA classifies Freon refrigerants and hydrochlorofluorocarbons as ozone-depleting substances, meaning they contribute to the thinning of the ozone layer. As a result, they began phasing them out in 2010. Most air conditioners made after 2005 likely do not use R-22 Freon, and as of January 1, 2010, it became illegal to use R-22 in new systems. These systems now use R-410A refrigerant.

As previously mentioned, any refrigerant leak reduces cooling efficiency, leading to increased energy costs and further damage to the ozone layer. Newer air conditioning units are considerably more energy-efficient compared to older models.

Freon Refrigerant in Your Car's Air Conditioning System

While we’ve primarily focused on Freon’s role in home air conditioning systems, it also plays a crucial part in your car’s cooling system.

Think of your car like a human body. R-410A Freon refrigerant acts as the circulatory system, transporting blood and oxygen to and from the heart, or in this case, the compressor. The compressor pulls in low-pressure vapor via a suction line, then compresses it to create high-pressure vapor that’s passed to the condenser for release.

The remaining low-pressure vapor travels through the condenser coils, where it is cooled by air from a fan. As the vapor cools, it turns back into a liquid, and the accumulated pressure is released through the expansion valve before moving on to the evaporator coils.

Warm air from inside the car is drawn across the evaporator coils, and then the AC unit’s fan blows the cooled air back into the vehicle, repeating this process in an ongoing cycle.