Can Freon Be Added to Household Air Conditioners?

Most residential air conditioners use some type of Freon derivative for coolant. However, certain types of refrigerants that contain Freon are being phased out by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). One commonly used type of Freon-based refrigerant that impacts residential air conditioner owners the most is called R-22. On Jan. 1, 2010, the EPA began a program to phase-out R-22 because it is known to deplete the ozone layer.

Many air conditioners manufactured prior to January 1, 2010 used chlorofulorocarbons (CFCs) as refrigerants. While production of CFCs ceased in 1995, the remaining supply has been allowed for use to recharge home air conditioners. Now the EPA is stepping up its efforts to eliminate all use of CFCs and HCFCs -- halogenated chlorofluorocarbons because both are known to deplete the ozone layer. By 2020, the EPA's goal is to eliminate use of CFC or HCFC refrigerants in the U.S.

Review your owner's manual to learn which type of refrigerant the manufacturer specifies for use with your air conditioner. Also see if the date your air conditioner was manufactured is noted in the manual; otherwise look on the metal ID plate on the back of your air conditioner. If it was made prior to Jan. 1, 2010, you may still use R-22 (the most common) or HCFC 142 (another common residential refrigerant) if that is what your unit requires. HCFC 142 is a halogenated chlorofluorocarbon, also known to deplete the ozone layer, as is the case with R-22.

If your air conditioner is newer and was manufactured after Jan. 1, 2010, it probably uses R-410A.This Freon-based refrigerant is approved for use by the EPA for air conditioners. Even though R-140A contains Freon, it has not been proven to deplete the ozone like R-22 and HCFC 142.

Two types of Freon-based refrigerants are currently used as alternatives to R-22 and HCFC 142 for residential air conditioners: R-410A and R-134A. These refrigerants are sold under brand names that include Genetron AZ-20, Suva 410a, Forane 410A, Puron, Freon 134a, Genetron 134a and KLEA 134a.The EPA has approved these refrigerants, and they will not harm the ozone layer.

Recharging your air conditioner, whether it is new or old, is not a DIY job. Always contact a licensed HVAC technician to add refrigerant and dispose of any residual refrigerant properly. Given the known environmental risks, the EPA has stringent rules and regulations about how refrigerants are to be used. Once the phase-out program began, technicians had to be formally trained to adhere and comply with EPA regulations for refrigerant recharging and waste disposal. In fact, you must be a licensed professional and member of the HVAC trade to purchase air conditioner refrigerants. They are not sold to individuals "over the counter" at retail stores.

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