What is Freon and why is it important?

If your air conditioner isn’t cooling like it used to or your HVAC technician mentioned “low Freon,” you might be wondering—what exactly is refrigerant, and why does it matter?

The AC system in your home is one of the most misunderstood appliances that homeowners have trouble diagnosing. While many people are used to hearing that an AC system may need more freon, many do not understand exactly what freon is and what it does.

What Is Freon?

Refrigerant—also referred to as Freon—is a non-combustible gas that is used as a refrigerant in air conditioning applications. This freon undergoes an evaporation process over and over again to help produce cool air that can be circulated throughout your AC system. It plays a vital role in regulating your indoor temperature

How Freon works in a Home

Freon, when used in a home, circulates through your AC systems series of refrigerant lines. Freon travels through this system and undergoes a series of processes. First, the AC compressor compresses the freon gas making it very hot. Next, the freon travels through a series of coils which helps to cool and convert the gas to a liquid state. It then travels to evaporators which convert it back to a low-pressure freon gas that can cool the air in your home.

How do I lose Freon from my system?

Over the years, this process takes a toll on the freon, and you can start to see a decrease in the amount of freon in your system.  Also, any type of small leak can allow freon the escape, making the overall pressure of the system drop.  This can be solved by either recharging your system, or by scheduling a technician to find and repair the leak.

🔧 Need a refrigerant check or AC service? Schedule a visit with Moeller Furnace & Air today or visit our AC Repair Services page.

Types of Refrigerants Used in Home HVAC Systems

Over the years, the HVAC industry has moved toward more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly refrigerants. Here are the most common types:

1. R-22

Once the industry standard, R-22 has been phased out due to its impact on the ozone layer. If your system still uses R-22, repairs can be expensive due to limited availability.

2. R-410A

Today’s most common refrigerant in residential systems. R-410A is more energy-efficient and environmentally safe compared to R-22.

3. R-32 and Other Alternatives

Emerging refrigerants like R-32 offer even better efficiency and a lower environmental footprint. Many new high-efficiency systems use these advanced refrigerants.

🏡 Considering an upgrade? Learn more on our HVAC Installation page.

How to Tell If You Have a Refrigerant Problem

Here are a few signs that you may have a refrigerant leak or issue:

• Ice buildup on indoor or outdoor coils

• Hissing or bubbling sounds near the unit

• AC blowing warm air

• Poor humidity control

• Increased electric bills

• Continuous system cycling

  
  

  If you notice any of these, it’s time to call a professional.

  
  

Recharge vs. Repair: What You Should Know

When your Freon levels get low from years of usage,  you can hire an HVAC Specialist to refill or recharge your system.  This will require a technician to take a current reading of the freon levels, and add in enough to bring your system back to the correct specs required. 

If it’s determined that you have a leak, simply adding refrigerant is not the same as fixing the problem. If your system is losing refrigerant rapidly, it likely has a leak that must be repaired. Adding refrigerant without solving the root cause of the leak will only be a temporary solution. 

Stay Cool With Moeller Furnace & Air

Whether you need a refrigerant recharge, a leak repair, or a full system replacement, Moeller Furnace & Air is here to help. We proudly serve homeowners with honest pricing, expert craftsmanship, and exceptional service.

📞 Call us at 515-573-5831 or contact us online to schedule a service today.