R-410A vs. R-22 in Your Houston Home AC Unit
This year, the new standard refrigerant will officially be R-410A, instead of R-22, which is what it has been traditionally. What is the difference, and what does this mean for you as a Houston homeowner?
Freon, or R22, is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) which depletes the ozone. Puron, or R-410A, is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), which does not deplete the ozone. In 2010, Freon was discontinued for use in air conditioners, and systems have been gradually changing over to Puron ever since.
Being environmentally cleaner is not the only benefit to using Puron. There are some differences in performance, as well. Puron absorbs and releases more heat than Freon, helping air conditioning compressor run cooler and reducing the risk of compressor burnout. Puron also functions at a higher pressure than Freon, so new compressors are built to withstand greater stresses, reducing the chance for cracking.
We recommended switching to R-410A refrigerant since supplies of Freon will soon completely diminish. A new unit is not required to make the switch, so the cost wouldn’t be as high as you expect. Give us a call and we will discuss all the options available to you.
If you are looking for the best Houston AC service and installation, Air Bourne Air is your answer. We can assist you with all of your cooling needs including AC repair, maintenance, and installation. We are here to answer all your indoor comfort questions; contact us today!