Find the right refrigerant for your AC
Refrigerant is a critical component in cooling systems. All types of refrigerant are chemical compounds, which are the lifeblood of air conditioners, aiding in the transfer of heat to enable the cool, comfortable environments we enjoy from our HVAC systems.
However, some types of refrigerant are being phased out in favor of more sustainable alternatives. While there are replacements for outdated refrigerants, it’s important to note they may require upgrades and retrofits to your AC system from a local HVAC technician. Let’s review the five types of refrigerants used in residential air conditioning systems.
R-22, one of the oldest types of refrigerant for AC systems, was developed in 1928. Also known as freon, it served as a standard for most types of air conditioners for many decades. It’s still commonly found in units that are over 10 years old. Per the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), R-22 refrigerants deplete the ozone layer, which prompted the agency to begin phasing them out in 2010. In 2020, all imports and manufacturing of R-22 were banned.
Best for: R-22 compatible systems
R410A, also known as puron, originally served as the more sustainable alternative for R-22 in air conditioning systems (although not a direct replacement in systems requiring R-22). Puron-operated systems were previously recognized for their enhanced efficiency, improved air quality, and heightened comfort and reliability.
However, R410A is being phased out due to its harmful environmental impact. According to the EPA, it possesses significant global warming potential (GWP). The American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM) of 2020 has tasked the EPA with halting production and consumption of select hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), including R-410A. The process of phasing out R-410A refrigerant is ongoing.
Best for: Systems compatible with R-410A refrigerant
R-32 refrigerant is known for its high efficiency and relatively low GWP. It often replaces refrigerants with higher GWPs, such as R-410A, to reduce the environmental impact of air conditioning and refrigeration systems. However, it requires some system upgrades to be safely used in R-410A systems.
Best for:
Replacement for R-410A (with system optimization)
R-32 compatible systems
R-454B refrigerant is a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerant developed as a low-GWP alternative to high-GWP HFC refrigerants like R-410A. Also known by its brand name Opteon™ XL41, R-454B is compatible with existing equipment designed for R-410A, minimizing the need for extensive retrofitting or redesign of air conditioning systems.
Best for:
Drop-in replacements in R-410A compatible systems
R-454B compatible systems
R-447A refrigerant, also known by its trade name Solstice® N41, is another low-GWP alternative refrigerant developed to replace high-GWP HFC refrigerants commonly used in air conditioning and heat pump systems. It performs similarly to R-410A but with a much lesser environmental impact.
Best for:
R-447A compatible systems
If you’re unsure what type of refrigerant your AC system uses, refer to the manufacturer’s specifications in the user manual (your AC unit may also have labels that specify the type of refrigerant it needs). Older systems that were manufactured before regulatory changes will more than likely use the now-banned freon. If you’re still uncertain about the refrigerant type or its status, it’s best to consult a qualified HVAC technician.
Production and imports of R-22 are now banned, but purchasing R-22 from existing stockpiles or recycled refrigerant liquid is possible. If you still have a system that needs it, you’ll need the help of a local HVAC technician to purchase it for you. The average cost for R-22 refrigerant is between $50 and $80 per pound.
Alternatively, you can opt for a suitable replacement refrigerant, but these will often require retrofits to make them compatible. Only attempt substitutions with the assistance of a licensed HVAC professional. If the system already has R-22 refrigerant in it, never add a different refrigerant to it—combining refrigerants can cause dangerous chemical reactions or irreparable damage to your system’s components. Keep in mind that swapping out a refrigerant other than the one specified by the manufacturer will likely void any remaining warranties.
Otherwise, if it makes sense for your budget, the best solution is to consider upgrading to an AC system that uses more environmentally friendly refrigerants like R-32. Not only are these safer for the environment, but they run more efficiently and can help save you on energy costs. Also, considering the average lifespan of an AC system is between 10 to 20 years, springing for the upgrade can help you avoid sinking any unnecessary cash into a unit that may not have many good years of use left.
