Were you aware that the chemical refrigerant inside air conditioners is available in multiple forms? Most property owners in Bowie don’t realize that different types of AC refrigerants exist, yet they’re crucial components for all cooling systems. 

As a top-rated air conditioning installation company in Bowie, MD, our S&L Air Conditioning and Heating crew has extensive experience handling refrigerant. Here’s what you should know about this unique chemical.  

What Is Air Conditioning Refrigerant?

Refrigerant is a chemical compound that absorbs heat and moisture from indoor air. The chemical starts off as a gas, but it transforms into a liquid and then back to a gas as it draws in heat and circulates through the air conditioner’s evaporator and condenser coils. 

When your cooling unit draws in air from inside your home, it passes over the coil housing the refrigerant. The liquid chemical absorbs the warmth, so the air flowing through your vents is cooler. Once it removes heat from the air, the refrigerant becomes a liquid that flows into the outdoor air conditioning unit’s condenser coils, where it becomes a gas again.  

Five Types of Refrigerants for Cooling Systems in Bowie

Some types of AC refrigerant can damage the environment, while others improve HVAC energy efficiency. Here’s what you should know about the different types of AC refrigerant people use in Bowie.

R-134a Refrigerant

One of the best and most common refrigerant types for air conditioning systems is the R-134a refrigerant. It consists of hydrofluorocarbon gas, which doesn’t directly impact the ozone layer, so it’s not overly harmful to the environment. It also lacks the chlorine atom, which is responsible for mass ozone layer reduction.

R-22 Refrigerant

Otherwise known as Freon, R-22 refrigerant was the go-to option for air conditioners years ago. Due to its contribution to ozone depletion, air conditioner manufacturers can no longer use this type of refrigerant. Though it’s not in production, old air conditioners may still contain it.

R-410A Refrigerant

Puron or R-410A refrigerant does not contain chlorine and has a chemical composition different from Freon’s. As such, it was a popular alternative to Freon after the federal government banned the latter. Unfortunately, R-410A refrigerant also harms the environment, so manufacturers are phasing it out. 

R-454B Refrigerant

As a response to the phase-out of Puron, refrigerant manufacturers began producing R-454B. This option is what most new air conditioning units will use, and it’s most suitable for heat pumps and commercial chillers. R-454B refrigerant offers great cooling performance without inflicting unnecessary damage to the ozone layer. 

R-32 Refrigerant

Following the Freon and R-410A bans, many modern air conditioners contain R-32 refrigerant. This is a safer option for the environment and helps air conditioners perform more efficiently. Despite being substantially less harmful to the ozone than its predecessors, this refrigerant is flammable, which could create a safety hazard if an air conditioner has a refrigerant leak.

How Your Bowie Home Can Benefit From a New Air Conditioner With Better Refrigerant

If you have an air conditioner in your Bowie house that’s functional yet over ten years old, consider replacing it with a modern, energy-efficient cooling system with a safer refrigerant. Your old unit likely uses R-22, which is one of the worst types of AC refrigerant. 

By replacing your outdated equipment with a new model, you can experience many benefits such as:

  • Improved Air Quality: The older an air conditioner is, the more likely it will collect, produce, and disperse harmful pollutants and allergens throughout your house. Newer systems have better filtration and performance, resulting in cleaner indoor air.
  • Reduced Energy Bills: Most air conditioner manufacturers create products with energy efficiency in mind. Since updated equipment uses less energy to produce great cooling output, you can save money on your energy bills over time. 
  • Higher Property Value: If you want to sell your house in Bowie, updating the air conditioner with an eco-friendly refrigerant can make your property more enticing to potential buyers. 

Call Bowie's Top HVAC Contractor To Recharge Your Refrigerant

No matter which types of AC refrigerant property owners use in their Bowie, Maryland properties, we at S&L Air Conditioning and Heating can help. Our expert HVAC technicians can fix refrigerant leaks, replace outdated air conditioners, and recharge the refrigerant to ensure AC systems blow cool air. With our skills, years of experience, and expertise, no AC repair or replacement project is too much for us. 

Our locally owned and operated company is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. You can expect us to provide comprehensive services, excellent customer support, and flat-rate pricing, so call 301-450-7988 today for an estimate.