As Freon was phased out, new HVAC systems began using a refrigerant known as Puron® or R-410A, an HFC. More efficient and less harmful to the environment, R-410A has been in use since its introduction in 1996 and is found in most of today's modern HVAC systems.
There are three main Freon replacement alternatives out there: R-410A: This non-ozone depleting refrigerant provides better energy efficiency than some of the other alternatives and does not use chlorine.
While we still service HVAC equipment using Freon, most residential HVAC units are now using Puron® or R-410A, a type of hydrocarbon refrigerant without the chlorine. The reason for the switch was to reduce the impact that the gasses have on the ozone layer and the environment.
R-407C. Featuring thermodynamic properties similar to R-22, R-407C is a common Freon replacement. Many new AC models are engineered to work with it. However, this refrigerant has been used in commercial cooling and refrigeration equipment since the early 1990s.
1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (R-134a or HFC-134a), one of the main replacements for the formerly widespread R-12. Opteon halogenated olefins now replacing Freons in many applications.
An AC leak will lead to warmer air from your vents over time. In most cases this can be fixed with a proven stop leak additive to seal up any leaks. When it's time for an AC recharge, turn to AutoZone.
In general, Puron systems are more energy efficient than Freon systems. This energy efficiency not only proves good for the environment, it also means homeowners pay less in utility bills. More environmentally friendly. The main draw of Puron is that it is more environmentally friendly than Freon.
The first type is R-134a, which replaced the refrigerant commonly known as “freon.” The other is R-1234yf, which is an even more environmentally friendly refrigerant than R-134a. Finding out which refrigerant your vehicle uses is easy with the help of A/C Pro®.
Freon MO99 is the gold standard for R-22 alternatives and was developed by the same scientists who engineered Freon R-22. The benefits of Freon MO99 include: Capacity — The ability of Freon MO99 to heat or cool a given space is closer to Freon R-22 than any other refrigerant on the market.
R-454B is the newest refrigerant, which will gradually replace R-410A, the refrigerant used in current HVAC manufacturing. R-454B is a blend of R-32, a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), and R-1234yf a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO).
On January 1, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the production and import of R-22. But units manufactured in 2009 and earlier still use R-22 today. Its use will eventually be eliminated in the U.S., so all current and future homeowners must be prepared for the transition.
If you put the newer freon in right away, your unit will rupture due to the force. However, you can convert your AC unit to handle R410A. You'll need to replace the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and likely the refrigerant tubing. If you replace all of this, your old unit will work fine with the new freon.
Summer sun delivers heat right through your windows. Block the heat with shades or blinds during the sunniest hours to keep your home cool without AC. This is a passive, or “natural” cooling method that is one of the cheapest and simplest way to keep your home cool in summer.
Fluorinated gas refrigerants are powerful greenhouse gases. Alternatives, such as ammonia or captured carbon dioxide, can replace them over time.
The GWP for R-134a refrigerant is 1,430, making it 1,430 times more harmful than carbon dioxide when released into the atmosphere. There are three refrigerants that can be used to replace R-134a: R-1234yf, R-152a, and R-744.
Puron, also known as R-410A; Suva; Forane; and EcoFluor, was approved by the EPA as a substitute for Freon. It's much easier on the ozone than Freon. Additionally, Puron systems operate under higher pressure and use less energy overall than Freon systems, further increasing their environmental friendliness.
Why Is R-134A Being Phased Out? When Is the Phaseout Expected to Conclude? Like a lot of '90s relics, R-134A has not aged well. It was known then that 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane could potentially contribute to acid rain and that its ozone layer depletion potential was high.
R-410A Refrigerant: One of the first R22 alternatives to come out after the Freon ban, R-410A was soon recalled because it, too, has serious effects on the environment. R-454B Refrigerant: This refrigerant was developed to replace R-410A once it was recalled. R-454B is best suited to commercial chillers and heat pumps.
Types of Car AC Refrigerant
R-12 – Until 1994, most autos used R-12, or the name-brand "Freon," as the refrigerant for their air conditioning systems. However, this refrigerant was found to be damaging to the environment, so it was banned and replaced with R-134a.
In 2010, the EPA passed the Clean Air Act, outlawing its use in new devices. As such, new AC systems generally use one of the following types of refrigerants: R-410 (Puron): Most air conditioners produced between 1996 (when scientists invented it) and 2020 use Puron.
While O'Reilly Auto Parts cannot recharge your vehicle's air conditioning system for you, we carry the parts, tools, and helpful resources to help you get the job done right.
If all that's needed is to have your system charged, the team at Jiffy Lube® can perform this service for you. They will remove the old refrigerant, vacuum test the system, and recharge your air conditioner with the right refrigerant.