Freon is a refrigerant coolant used in older AC units – typically in those installed prior to 2010. Due to its ozone-depleting properties, the EPA has banned the production and importation of the refrigerant in new AC systems in the U.S. since January 1, 2020, so the liquid is in limited supply and thus replenishing it can be very expensive.
Although the term “Freon” is often used interchangeably with “refrigerant,” they are not the same thing — Freon refers only to R-22 refrigerant which is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon that is odorless, colorless, tasteless, nonflammable, and has a much lower freezing and boiling point than water.
How Does R-22 Work?
R-22, uses a complex transformation process involving four main steps to cool air:
- R-22 is compressed into a saturated vapor where it becomes highly heated and pressurized,
- This vapor is passed into the tubes of a condenser where it is blown by fans to remove heat,
- The vapor condenses into liquid form,
- A fan circulates and blows air from the room across an evaporator coil to release Freon as cool air.
Is R-22 Toxic?
It is important to keep in mind that while Freon is non-toxic to humans when it is operating in an AC unit normally, Freon is toxic and poses severe health risks when deliberately inhaled. Similar to carbon monoxide, R-22 is both odorless and colorless, but the consequences of inhalation are typically less severe, depending on its concentration and the inhaler’s duration of exposure.
If deeply inhaled for extensive periods of time, Freon poisoning can occur, so if you suspect that your system is low on R-22, call an expert to run a AC diagnostic test instead of trying to determine this on your own.
How to Determine if Your Air Conditioner Uses R-22
As a rule of thumb, AC units installed after 2010 should not contain R-22, but instead its replacement refrigerant, R-410A. The most simple way to check for certain is by reading the label on your outdoor condensing unit. You can also schedule an AC tune-up with on of our experienced and licensed HVAC technicians to check for any maintenance issues. During your AC tune-up one of our Constellation Home technicians will be able to determine what type of refrigerant your system uses.
If your AC system uses R-22, it may be time for an HVAC replacement. Due to restrictions put in place, R-22 can be very expensive to replace. Check out the video below to decide if it’s the right time for you to replace your HVAC system!
Freon FAQs
Is refrigerant the same as freon?
Is Freon flammable?
Is Freon still used?
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