What is Freon? Here’s everything you need to know about it

Ever wondered why your refrigerator fridge stays icy cold, even on a scorching day? You’re not alone. The secret lies in a special substance called a refrigerant. However, the world of refrigerants can be confusing with strange terms like “Freon,” “CFCs” and others making it hard for the average user to understand. So, what is Freon and what does it do? Here’s everything you need to know about Freon.

What is Freon?

Freon is actually a brand name, kind of like calling all toothpastes “Colgate.” But behind the brand name lies a whole family of chemicals used for refrigeration. Some of them, like CFCs, were highly effective coolants until scientists discovered they were harming the Earth’s atmosphere, especially the Ozone layer, which absorbs most of the Sun’s ultraviolet radiation.

So, the industry has been working on new, eco-friendly versions like HCFCs. In the HVAC industry, “Freon” is often used as a general term for refrigerant or cooling agent. While typically stable and non-flammable, these refrigerants can be mildly toxic and have a characteristic odour similar to acetone.

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Freon is widely used in the refrigerant industry because it has a rather useful property that is important to the air conditioning industry too – it creates a cooling effect when it evaporates. This process is key to producing cool air. Freon comes in various types, some more expensive depending on availability. When people refer to an AC system needing to be recharged or refilled, they are referring to the levels of Freon.

What are the replacements of Freon?

While the term Freon is often used colloquially to refer to any refrigerant, technically, it refers to a class of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) that were widely used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

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However, due to environmental concerns related to ozone depletion and global warming, Freon (or R22 refrigerant) has been phased out and banned. This leaves AC unit owners wondering what options they have. Thankfully, there are several environmentally friendly alternatives on the market today.

Here are some common types of refrigerants:

1. R-12: This was one of the earliest and most widely used refrigerants. However, its production was phased out due to its ozone-depleting properties.

2. R-134a: This is one of the more commonly used replacements for R-12 and R-22. It does not contain chlorine, so it does not contribute to ozone depletion. However, it still has a relatively high global warming potential (GWP), so efforts are underway to find even more environmentally friendly alternatives.

3. R-410A: This is a non-ozone-depleting refrigerant commonly used in newer air conditioning systems. It has a relatively low GWP compared to some other alternatives, but it is still a greenhouse gas and efforts are being made to develop even more sustainable options.

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4. R-404A: This is a blend of refrigerants commonly used in commercial refrigeration systems and some air conditioning systems. However, it has a high GWP and is being phased out in many regions.

5. R-407C: R-407C is another mix of refrigerants used as a replacement for R-22 in air conditioning systems. It has a lower GWP than R-404A but is now being phased out in some regions due to environmental concerns.

How is Freon typically replaced

Replacing Freon in a refrigeration or air conditioning system involves several steps and requires a licensed HVAC professional for safety and environmental compliance. These professionals have the necessary training, equipment, and expertise to handle refrigerants safely and ensure that the replacement process is conducted correctly. If you want to know how to replace a refrigerant in an AC unit, here’s a general overview of the process:

1. Recovery: The old refrigerant (Freon) needs to be safely removed from the system. This is usually done using specialised equipment that captures the refrigerant, preventing its release into the atmosphere. The recovered Freon is then stored in containers for proper disposal or recycling.

2. System flush: Depending on the condition of the system and the new refrigerant being used, it may be necessary to flush the system to remove any residual contaminants or old lubricants. This step helps ensure optimal performance and prevents cross-contamination between different types of refrigerants.

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3. Vacuuming: After the system has been flushed, it needs to be evacuated to remove any remaining air and moisture. This is typically done using a vacuum pump to create a low-pressure environment within the system.

4. Recharge: Once the system is evacuated, it’s ready to be charged with the new refrigerant. The correct amount of refrigerant specified by the manufacturer or regulations is added to the system using specialised equipment to ensure accuracy.

5. Leak testing: After recharging, the system is tested for leaks to ensure that it’s functioning properly and that there are no refrigerant leaks. This can be done using electronic leak detectors or by pressurising the system with nitrogen and checking for pressure drops.

Next time you hear the word Freon, it certainly won’t sound alien, as you know a lot about it now.