What is freon?

Knowing what Freon is and how to replace it can prove to be challenging—especially if you aren’t well-versed in HVAC systems. For those who are looking to get started, it’s worth noting that Freon is a type of refrigerant. It is a colorless gas that cycles through your system repeatedly, turns into a liquid, then becomes gas again. This process is done by cooling the gas to a certain temperature so that it becomes a liquid, then heating it back up to become a vapor. 

Freon is most commonly utilized in humidifiers, air conditioners, and refrigerators to cool warm air within the systems used. The name “Freon” is a general brand owned by DuPont, directly referencing the refrigerant blend R-22. Still, the nickname can also apply to R-12 and R-410A, as they all fall into the umbrella category of refrigerants.

What Does Freon and Refrigerant Do?

As noted above, Freon is a name-brand of refrigerant. Like all refrigerants, Freon is a non-combustible gas used to regulate temperatures by heating and cooling your AC system.

Inside your AC unit, the compressor compresses the gas, increasing its heat and maneuvering through a complex maze of coils that draw the heat from the gas. In return, it reduces the heat and allows the gas to reach its liquid state. It is then moved to evaporators within the unit, repeating the cycle by bringing the liquid Freon back into its gas state, cooling your entire home (or area, depending on the size of the unit) in the process. 

Air Conditioning Problems Relating to AC Coolant

Diagnosing AC problems can be a tricky situation, but there are some tell-tale signs you can look for. The first and most accessible sign is that your Freon level is below the required amount for your unit to function correctly. If your system was checked or filled, you could also be experiencing a leak, which can happen naturally as systems age. 

If you suspect you are running low on Freon, check to see if you are getting low airflow out of your vents. You can also check if the air that is coming out feels warm. If you experience either of these, your Freon could be running low. Ice buildup on any part of the AC unit’s internal components can also hinder airflow or reduce your system’s overall effectiveness.

Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance

After diagnosing any issues with your system, the next step will be getting them taken care of. While DIY repairs could save money, you may run into complications if you aren’t properly trained on your system.

If you are looking for reliable HVAC service, contact us at Sansone Air Conditioning, we can personally diagnose any problems your unit is having and help get your unit back into working order, so you can get back to enjoying cool air in your home.

Scheduling a visit from us can be done as quickly as visiting us on our website, where we offer complete AC repair and AC maintenance and get your unit back up and running.

Having problems with your air conditioner? Schedule an appointment to get it checked out with our EZ Book Online button below.