In 2020, R-22 AC coolant (Freon) was finally phased out of use due to its serious negative environmental impact. However, if you have an older AC, it may still use Freon, and if it does, it’s a good idea to replace it. What kind of AC coolant should you get? Here’s what you need to know.
- R-410a. R-410a has replaced R-22 as the standard in most new AC systems. It cools efficiently and is more environmentally friendly. It does still use harsh chemicals, but the overall impact is far less. However, if you want to replace the coolant in an older system, R-410a might not be the best option. It operates at a higher pressure than Freon, so the unit will have to be retrofitted to make it compatible. Otherwise, it could damage the system.
- R-134a. An efficient and environmentally friendly option, R-134a is less common in residential systems and more common in vehicle ACs. However, it’s designed to be versatile and can be used in your home unit in a pinch — again with a bit of retrofitting. It’s more environmentally friendly than Freon, but it still has a slightly negative impact on the ozone layer. Unfortunately, none of these AC coolant options carries a net zero environmental impact. However, they’re the best currently available until better technology is developed.
- R-407c. R-407c is generally considered to be the closest option to Freon. A blend of R-134a, R-32, and R-135, it has approximately the same pressure as R-22, so it can be used in older units safely without the need for retrofitting. The environmental impact is also much less than that of Freon. However, the drawback is that it’s also the least energy-efficient option on this list. Even if you save money by avoiding the alterations to your system, you’ll spend more in the long run in increased energy bills. If you do get R-407c, consider it a temporary option until you can upgrade to a more efficient unit.
For help finding the right AC coolant for your unit, contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services. We provide quality home-comfort solutions to the Dayton area.
