Freon AC
If you’ve ever called an HVAC technician because your air conditioner stopped cooling, you’ve probably heard the term Freon. But what exactly is Freon, and how does it make your home in San Mateo, CA, feel cool and comfortable during the warm summer months? In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Freon, how it works in your air conditioning system, and why modern HVAC systems are moving away from it.
What Is Freon? Freon is the brand name for a group of chemicals known as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)—refrigerants used in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and freezers. The most common type of Freon used in residential air conditioners for decades was R-22.
Freon is a refrigerant gas that changes from liquid to vapor and back again in a continuous cycle. This process allows your air conditioner to absorb heat from inside your home and release it outdoors, cooling the air you feel from your vents.
However, Freon is no longer manufactured in the U.S. due to its harmful impact on the environment. Newer refrigerants, like R-410A (often branded as Puron), are more eco-friendly and energy-efficient.
How Does Freon Work in an Air Conditioner? To understand how Freon cools your home, let’s look at the four main components of your AC system and how they interact with the refrigerant:
1. The Compressor The compressor is the heart of your AC system. It pressurizes the Freon gas, raising its temperature and sending it to the condenser coil outside your home.
2. The Condenser Coil As the hot Freon gas flows through the condenser coil, a fan blows outdoor air across the coil. This causes the Freon to release heat and condense into a liquid. The now-cooled liquid travels through a small copper line toward the indoor unit.
3. The Expansion Valve The expansion valve controls the flow of liquid Freon into the evaporator coil. As it passes through the valve, the pressure drops, causing the Freon to expand and turn into a cold vapor.
4. The Evaporator Coil Inside your home, the evaporator coil absorbs heat from the indoor air as warm air blows over it. The Freon inside the coil evaporates, pulling heat out of the air. This newly cooled air is then blown through your ducts and into your living spaces.
The vaporized Freon then travels back to the compressor to begin the cycle again—continuously cooling your home.
Freon and the Environment While Freon was once an HVAC industry standard, it has been found to cause ozone layer depletion when released into the atmosphere. For this reason, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began phasing out R-22 Freon in the early 2000s.
As of January 1, 2020, R-22 is no longer produced or imported into the United States. Homeowners can still operate older systems that use Freon, but when the refrigerant runs out, the only option is to use recycled or reclaimed R-22, which is expensive and increasingly scarce.
Do I Have a Freon-Based AC System? If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a good chance it uses R-22 Freon. You can check your AC nameplate or owner’s manual to find the refrigerant type, or contact a licensed HVAC technician from Cloud Mechanical HVAC to inspect your system.
If your AC uses R-410A, you’re already using a more environmentally friendly refrigerant that is fully compliant with EPA regulations.
Can I Replace Freon With a Newer Refrigerant? In most cases, Freon-based systems cannot simply be “topped off” with R-410A or other refrigerants. The components and pressures are designed specifically for R-22, and mixing refrigerants can cause severe system damage.
If your AC system still uses Freon, you have two options:
- Retrofit the System:
Some systems can be retrofitted with alternative refrigerants like R-407C or MO99. However, this process requires expert evaluation and might not be cost-effective for older units. - Replace the System:
The best long-term solution is upgrading to a new energy-efficient air conditioner that uses modern refrigerants. This not only saves you money on repairs and energy bills but also ensures compliance with environmental standards.
How to Tell If You Have a Freon Leak Freon leaks are a common issue in aging air conditioners. Signs of a refrigerant leak include:
- Warm air blowing from vents even when the thermostat is set to “cool”
- Ice buildup on the refrigerant lines or evaporator coil
- Hissing or bubbling sounds near the indoor or outdoor unit
- Higher energy bills due to your AC running longer to reach the same temperature
Why Choose Cloud Mechanical HVAC in San Mateo, CA At Cloud Mechanical HVAC, we provide expert air conditioning repair, Freon leak detection, refrigerant recharging, and full AC replacement services throughout San Mateo and the surrounding Bay Area.
Whether your system runs on Freon or modern refrigerants, our licensed technicians can:
- Diagnose and repair refrigerant leaks
- Safely recover and recharge refrigerant
- Upgrade outdated Freon systems to eco-friendly models
- Ensure your AC runs efficiently and reliably year-round
Frequently Asked Questions on Freon AC 1. Is Freon still used in new air conditioners? No. New air conditioners no longer use R-22 Freon. Modern systems use R-410A or other EPA-approved refrigerants that are safer for the environment.
2. Can I still get Freon for my old AC unit? Yes, but only recycled or reclaimed Freon is available—and it’s becoming more expensive each year due to limited supply.
3. What happens if my AC runs out of Freon? Your AC will stop cooling efficiently. Running it without enough refrigerant can also damage the compressor, leading to costly repairs.
4. How much does it cost to recharge Freon? Depending on the amount needed and availability, recharging an R-22 system can cost $200 to $600 or more, while R-410A recharges are typically lower.
5. Should I replace my Freon AC system? If your system is over 10–15 years old, replacement is often more cost-effective than continuing repairs. A new AC will improve efficiency, comfort, and environmental compliance.