Why Refrigerant Matters
Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your air conditioner—it absorbs indoor heat and releases it outside. The type of refrigerant affects efficiency, repairability, and environmental impact.
R-22 Phaseout
R-22 (Freon) was phased out due to ozone damage. Production ended in 2020. Remaining supplies are scarce and expensive—$100+ per pound compared to $10-15 historically.
R-410A: Current Standard
R-410A (Puron) has been standard since 2010. It's ozone-safe but still a potent greenhouse gas. Systems using R-410A operate at higher pressures and require compatible equipment.
Emerging Alternatives
R-32 and other low-GWP (global warming potential) refrigerants are increasingly used in new equipment. They're more environmentally friendly and often more efficient.
If Your System Uses R-22
Options include repairing with recycled R-22 (expensive), retrofitting to alternative refrigerants (mixed results), or replacing the system (usually best long-term).
Refrigerant Leaks and Repairs
Refrigerant doesn't wear out—if levels are low, there's a leak. Reputable technicians find and fix leaks rather than just adding refrigerant.