Why you may want to upgrade that refrigerant in your AC or Heat Pump
We have got so acquainted with air conditioning systems that we cannot imagine a life without them. With these devices, we get to fine-tune the state of the surrounding air in our homes and workplaces just the way we want; that is, access cold air during high-temperature weather conditions and enjoy a balanced atmosphere in the winter. However, as much as these devices are worthy of the praise, the real man behind the scenes is the refrigerant.
What are refrigerants anyway?
A refrigerant is a substance, usually in fluid or gaseous state that is found in air conditioners and heat pumps. Refrigerants absorb the air from the surrounding, transform it with the help of some designated pieces of equipment and then get the new air that has changed either from low-pressure to high-pressure or high-pressure to low-pressure depending on the system’s functionality; air cooling or heating, to the surrounding.
Just as other technological devices, refrigerants have evolved from what they used to be over the decades. Initially, they were made with Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) using R12. Modern ones involve the use of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) including R22, R410A, and R134. Even with that, the ban implemented on R22 in the United States means getting that particular refrigerant from January 2020 might be as expensive as buying a new AC or Heat Pump due to the expected scarcity.
What is more, governments from other countries are likely to join the United States in implementing a ban on the use of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) due to their aggression on environmental health. Hence, if you are planning to buy an air conditioning system, there are a few refrigerants for you to choose from.
Choosing the ideal refrigerants
There are some factors to be considered when choosing the ideal refrigerant. Among these are the thermodynamic, non-corrosive as well as safety properties. HCFCs are known to deplete the ozone layer thereby contributing to global warming. For this, they are being disregarded. HFCs are the ideal refrigerants making the buzz nowadays as manufacturers try to remove chlorine using Hydro Fluro Carbons.
Now may be the best time to upgrade
With the weaknesses of the established refrigerants being discovered in time, manufacturers are creating new systems that have lower ozone depletion and higher energy efficiency. What is more, many countries are already phasing out HFCs and HCFCs. While these two have their strengths and are considered to be better than their predecessors, their weaknesses are said to be dangerous to environmental health with many regulations implementing bans on them.
Upgrading seems to be the next thing you want to do. Hydro Carbon refrigerants, R290 and R600A are known to have the lowest global warming effect compared to all other refrigerants in the market. They are environmental-friendly; with higher energy efficiency and absolute zero ozone depletion, making them the best in the market nowadays. However, they are not without their weakness which is the flammability caused by their hydrocarbon nature. Is there such a thing without a weakness anyway!
To upgrade, repair or do other maintenance works, you need a certified professional, something you can get at through Douglas Mechanical
To upgrade your AC or Heat Pump’s refrigerant, you need to change a lot of things on the system. You cannot just put R90 or R410A on a system that uses R22 refrigerant and expect it to work. There will always be compatibility issues that must first be addressed before implementing the upgrade protocols. The truth is there are a few things you can do as regards the repair or complete replacement of your AC or Heat Pump refrigerant. You need a licensed engineer to be responsible for not just the system upgrade but subsequent maintenance works that the need may require after the upgrade.
Before the repair or upgrade works, an HVAC company, like Douglas Mechanical needs to first inspect your air conditioning or refrigeration system. Douglas Mechanical is a Trane Comfort Specialist Dealer and is based out of Spring, Texas. This company has been serving Houston and the Greater Surrounding area since 1975. Being a 5-star rated company, Douglas Mechanical values true customer satisfaction and quality service.
Takeaway
In all honesty, manufacturers will continue in the quest to produce refrigerants that do not contribute to global warming and ozone depletion. In addition, mechanical refrigeration systems have evolved from the use of substances such as sulfur dioxide and ammonia in providing their functionalities. Since many of the existing systems still use the banned refrigerants, the cost of upgrades and maintenance will only continue to increase. It cannot be helped unless your systems use the new refrigerants. The earlier you sort this out, the better.
Excellent Customer Service
Douglas Mechanical Inc. did a great job tuning up my central air-conditioner units.. They were very professional, courteous and on time. The company and technician even cleared a a/c drain line problem that I had without any additional charge
Tonja Calhoun
Excellent Customer Service
Douglas Mechanical Inc. did a great job tuning up my central air-conditioner units.. They were very professional, courteous and on time. The company and technician even cleared a a/c drain line problem that I had without any additional charge
Tonja Calhoun
Excellent Customer Service
Douglas Mechanical Inc. did a great job tuning up my central air-conditioner units.. They were very professional, courteous and on time. The company and technician even cleared a a/c drain line problem that I had without any additional charge
Manny Soto