A refrigerant is a compound that usually exists in a liquid or gaseous state. It easily absorbs heat from the environment, and when combined with other components such as compressors and evaporators, can provide refrigeration or air conditioning. Let's discuss how refrigerants work in your air conditioner, the types of refrigerants, and where they are used.

Air conditioners contain refrigerant in copper coils. As the refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air, it changes from a low-pressure gas to a high-pressure liquid. The air conditioning unit sends the refrigerant outside, and the fan blows hot air through the coils and exhausts it to the outside.

The refrigerant then cools down and becomes a low-pressure gas. Another fan located in the home blows air through the cooling coils to distribute the resulting cool air throughout the building, and the cycle repeats.

The most commonly used air conditioner refrigerants over the years include:

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), including R12. This is known to cause the greenhouse gas effect. Discontinued in 1994. 

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), including R22. Although slightly less damaging to ozone than R12, it was mandated by the EPA under the Clean Air Act of 2010. By 2020, the R22 will be completely phased out. 

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), including R410A and R134. Since there is no chlorine in the mixture, HFC is safer for the environment. Air conditioners running on the R410A are more efficient, more reliable, and provide better air quality.

Although R410A is an HFC, it is not 100% safe. This fact prompted the EPA to create some rules regarding refrigerant handling and disposal:

1. Deliberate discharge of refrigerant is prohibited. Low-loss accessories must be used to limit the amount of refrigerant released when purging, connecting, or disconnecting the air conditioner.

2. Technicians must use their best efforts to safely recover, recover and dispose of refrigerants.

3. Air conditioners and other appliances that use refrigerants must be disposed of in accordance with EPA's disposal rules.

4. Refrigerant leaks must be repaired within 30 days.

5. Only licensed heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) companies and technicians can purchase refrigerants.

6. Violations of these and other refrigerant regulations can result in severe penalties from the EPA, including charges of up to $37,500 per day.

Rather than waiting for older equipment to fail, consider upgrading now. You'll find that increased efficiency and reliability are worth the investment. If you have any questions, please contact us for assistance. We will try our best to help you.

Founded in 2012, ZENGO is a manufacturer and wholesaler of refrigeration and air-conditioning spare parts. At present, it has two Ali international platforms, one Ali domestic platform, and one Amazon platform (under construction). The company's annual growth rate exceeds 30%. Its two sub-brands, Airandus and ComforPlanet, are deeply involved in the European and American markets. It has dozens of stable partners in more than 60 countries and regions around the world. "Your success is our success" is our business creed.