Unless you like to spend your free time researching the schematics of HVAC units, you probably don’t put a ton of thought into how your air conditioner generates the cool air into your home. And why would you? You just flip the switch on your thermostat, hear the machine kick on, and boom — it’s cold inside.
But it’s helpful to understand what’s going on, so you’ll be able to identify when something has gone wrong. The key to the whole cooling process lies with something called refrigerant, and the cooling experts at Weeks Service Company are going to walk you through the way this substance helps cool your home!
It Isn’t “Creating” Cold Air
Believe it or not, when you feel the cool air blow across your skin while you’re sitting in your living room, that cold temperature wasn’t created by the air conditioner. Instead, your unit has just taken all the *warm* air that was already indoors and gotten rid of the warm-ness.
The way it works is like this: your air system takes in air from the outdoors and sends it through the cooling cycle in your air conditioner. The refrigerant already in your system moves between a liquid and gas state depending on whether it’s being compressed or expanded, and it absorbs or releases warm air based on which cycle it’s going through.
The refrigerant isn’t ever lost, either. The same amount is in there regardless of what’s happening to it – or at least, it shouldn’t ever get lost. If that happens, your unit isn’t working like it’s supposed to. You should schedule an inspection from a technician you trust!
Refrigerant Can Do It All
Without this crucial substance, your air would just be the same temperature that it is outside. But thanks to the refrigerant, you’re able to enjoy cool air year-round. To recap refrigerant snakes through the evaporator and condenser coils in your home’s air-conditioning system, continually changing states between liquid and gas as it absorbs and releases moisture from the air.
For a significant amount of HVAC units, the refrigerant being used is likely Freon. But because of a government-issued ordinance, Freon is going to be totally discontinued for HVAC system usage by 2020.
If your unit uses Freon, it’s important to keep an eye on the health and integrity of it. If a leak springs and the Freon escapes, then a recharge might not be in your best interest. After 2020, you won’t be able to simply add more Freon to your unit, so keep that in mind.
It may be cheaper to replace your Freon with more of the same. However, that may end up costing you more down the line after it’s been completely phased out.
Weeks Service Company: Here for League City’s AC Needs
In the market for a new air conditioner? Stressed out about replacing your coolant? Just give us a call! Weeks Service Company can walk you through the best strategy for you and your unit, and we’ll provide all the resources and information you need to make the best decision for you and your family.
Call us at
Birmingham – 346-595-7575 to speak to one of our friendly team members today!