Refrigerant is a wondrous substance that has made possible the miracle of modern air conditioning. That said, there are some things you should know about refrigerant than can make your home safer, more efficient and less likely to have an adverse impact on the environment. Read on for helpful tips on refrigerant.
Need-to-Know Tips on Refrigerant
1. Safe Handling.
Air conditioners sometimes develop leaks, in which case the refrigerant must be replaced. A homeowner should never undertake replacing refrigerant, even if he or she has a supply on hand. Anyone who handles refrigerant should be licensed and certified and know proper safety procedures. HVAC technicians also have the proper tools to handle refrigerant. Refrigerant is hazardous if breathed, and can cause organ damage or death.
2. Refrigerant phase-out.
The Environmental Protection Agency a few years ago mandated a phase-out of R22 refrigerant in an effort to protect the planet’s ozone layer. Thus, air conditioners that use R22 are no longer being manufactured. So if your R22-using A/C develops a leak, you are going to pay out the nose to recharge it with the dwindling supplies of the older refrigerant. In fact, in 2020, you will no longer be allowed by law to recharge an R22-using air conditioner. Your only options when your A/C develops a leak will be to replace your air conditioner with a newer model or to retrofit or convert your old air conditioner to accommodate the new refrigerant. Unfortunately, the latter option is not available for every system.
3. Proper refrigerant levels.
Refrigerant is pumped through an air conditioner or heat pump, absorbing heat indoors and exhausting it outdoors to cool the home. It’s important to maintain proper refrigerant levels at all times. When refrigerant level is too low, the system has to work harder to cool your home and you will end up paying more on your utility bill. This will eventually cause your system to break down.
To replace an old system or schedule maintenance, contact Ace Hardware Home Services of Dayton. We’ve served our community with pride since 1978.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
