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How Does Refrigerant Work in Your HVAC System?

The compressor has often been compared to the heart of a central air conditioner since it is a motor-driven component that is responsible for circulating refrigerant through the system. Refrigerant is a general term that refers to a chemical blend inside an electro-mechanical air conditioner that can shift easily between liquid and gaseous states. The invention of the first non-toxic refrigerant blend, known by the trademarked name Freon, allowed air conditioners to become commonplace in homes. The current standard refrigerant blend for residential air conditioners is R-410A, sometimes called Puron, which produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions. As refrigerant transmutes from liquid to gas and back, it absorbs and releases heat. This is how it is capable of cooling down a home. The compressor changes liquid refrigerant into a high-pressure, high-temperature gas. The refrigerant moves to the outside coil of the air conditioner and releases its heat there through condensation, cooling down. By the time it reaches the indoor coil, it has cooled down to the point that it causes evaporation when it meets the warmer indoor air. This siphons heat from the air, cooling it down. The refrigerant, once again a liquid, returns to the compressor to restart the cycle. The refrigerant will remain at the same level for the life of the air conditioner unless leaks occur. If the refrigerant level starts to drop, you will need to repair the system as soon as possible. Low refrigerant will not only lower the cooling ability of the AC, it can severely damage the compressor. Our technicians are ready with repairs when you need them. Contact us today at (972) 446-COOL (2665) or find us online at spencerairconditioning.com. We’ve been serving your neighbors for over 56 years. Our longevity speaks for our quality.