What You Need To Know About Residential HVAC Coolants

When you are looking servicing your HVAC system, you need to consider the type of coolant it uses. With this information, you can determine if it is time to make some serious changes to your home's HVAC system.

Future Limitation on Freon

One aspect to consider is that Freon, also referred to as R-22, has a harmful affect on the ozone. This chemical is being phased out in the United States, and most manufacturers will no longer produce Freon. Instead, newer HVAC units are using more eco-friendly coolant options.

As you contemplate repairs for your system, you need to be aware that Freon will become harder to locate in the future. The idea is HVAC companies will only use recycled Freon to refill older units, so the available amount in your area could be much lower. If your system uses this chemical, you want to weigh the pros and cons of continuing to service your current unit.

With all of this said, many HVAC contractors will still offer reliable and safe repairs for older units. These companies will handle the basic repairs of replacing leaking pipes and repairing frayed wires. Even if your unit is low on Freon, the company will be able to refill it, so the unit continues to perform properly.

Choose an Alternative Coolant

On the other hand, you have the option of choosing one of the more common alternative coolants for your HVAC system instead of continuing to use Freon. With this option, you retrofit your current system to use a different coolant. To start this process, you will need to consult an HVAC company in your area and find out which coolant type is compatible with your unit.

Luckily, some companies offer several coolant types and they can explain the pros and cons of each one. With the help of the company, you can choose a coolant that is more eco-friendly for your home to use.

Your other option is to replace your older unit with a new model type. In this situation, the newer models not only use a different coolant, they can also be more energy efficient. For these reasons, it is best to consider the replacement cost and the money you could potential save by completely replacing your HVAC unit.

When you are considering repairing or replacing your HVAC unit, you should know more about the chemicals that the system will require. By having this information, you will have an easier time choosing the right option for your needs.