Think of refrigerant as the lifeblood of your HVAC system. Although it may sound silly—just like blood circulates through the body to deliver oxygen and nutrients, in a very similar manner, refrigerant moves through an HVAC system, transferring heat to regulate temperature.
Throughout this process, it absorbs heat from indoor air to cool your home in the summer, then releases the heat outside. Without refrigerant, an HVAC system wouldn’t be able to do its job—thus making it a crucial component in keeping your home comfortable year-round. In the HVAC industry, refrigerants play a pivotal role in ensuring efficient temperature control.
What Exactly Are HVAC Refrigerants?
That’s a great question. First of all, it’s important to understand that refrigerants are specialized fluids designed to easily transition between liquid and gas phases. This ability allows them to effectively absorb, transport, and release heat throughout HVAC systems.
How HVAC Refrigerants Function
An HVAC system’s main function is to transfer heat from inside a building to the outside. Refrigerants, moving through a circuit of coils and compressors, make this possible. Here’s a more detailed look at the process:
Heat Absorption: Inside a building, refrigerants absorb heat from the air, turning into a gaseous state in the evaporator coils.
Compression: The gas then enters the compressor, where its pressure and temperature rise, facilitating heat discharge outdoors.
Heat Release: In the condenser coils located outside, the refrigerant releases the collected heat, cools down, and returns to a liquid state to start the cycle over.
Different Types of HVAC Refrigerants
Refrigerant use in HVAC systems has evolved, largely driven by environmental considerations. Here are a few common refrigerants:
R-22 (Freon): Previously popular, R-22 is being phased out due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer.
R-410A (Puron): Chlorine-free and environmentally friendlier, R-410A is standard in newer, efficient systems.
R-32 (Difluoromethane): is a newer refrigerant that is replacing R-410A because it is better for the environment and more energy-efficient.
As environmental regulations become more stringent, the industry is moving towards sustainable practices. New refrigerants are being designed to reduce global warming and ozone depletion impacts.
Proper HVAC Refrigerant Management
Correct handling of refrigerants is essential. Mishandling refrigerants can not only damage HVAC systems but also release harmful chemicals into the atmosphere, contributing to ozone depletion and global warming.
Luckily, at Blue Ash Heating & Air, our HVAC technicians are Nate-certified and have extensive training and years of accumulated experience.
How to Check HVAC Refrigerant Levels in Your HVAC System
One thing to note is that your HVAC system needs just the right amount of HVAC refrigerant to regulate your home. Low refrigerant levels can lead to issues like poor cooling, raised energy bills, and possibly even system damage.
As a homeowner, it’s a good idea to know what to look out for when it comes to your refrigerant. Here’s what to do if you suspect that your refrigerant levels are low.
- Watch for Signs of Low Refrigerant: If your air conditioner is blowing warmer air than usual, it could be a sign that your system’s refrigerant levels are low. Other red flags include your system running longer than normal, a sudden spike in your energy bills, or ice forming on the refrigerant lines.
Additionally, pay attention to any hissing or unusual noises coming from your HVAC unit—these sounds could indicate a refrigerant leak that needs immediate attention.
- Check for a Refrigerant Sight Glass: Some HVAC systems come with a sight glass near the refrigerant line, allowing for a quick visual inspection. If the liquid inside flows smoothly and appears clear, your system likely has an adequate refrigerant level. However, if you notice bubbles or foam, this could signal a low refrigerant charge or a potential leak. If your system doesn’t have a sight glass, don’t worry—just proceed to the next step.
- Call the Experts at Centerville Heating & Cooling: We’ve got you covered! If your HVAC system is low on refrigerant, it’s crucial to have a licensed professional inspect it for leaks before recharging (refilling) the system. Our experienced technicians have the proper tools and training to diagnose, repair, and safely refill your system, ensuring everything is running efficiently. Rest assured, we’ll take care of it quickly and professionally!
You can count on Blue Ash Furnace & Air Conditioning to provide quality and trustworthy HVAC services. Whether you are planning to upgrade your system or maybe just need our expertise in refrigerants, and AC maintenance solutions, we promise to bring swift and reliable solutions.
Need help to pinpoint what’s going on with your refrigerant? Call Blue Ash Furnace & Air Conditioning today at (513) 216-5664, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
In the meantime, you can read our blog on how to stay cool while waiting for your technician to arrive.