What exactly is air conditioning refrigerant and why does my AC need it?

Air conditioning refrigerant is a specialized chemical that absorbs heat from your indoor air and releases it outside, making your home cool and comfortable. Think of it as the “blood” of your AC system—it circulates continuously through coils and lines, changing from liquid to gas and back again to transfer heat. Without proper refrigerant levels, your AC can’t remove heat effectively, leaving you with warm air and high energy bills. Key point for beginners: Refrigerant doesn’t get “used up” like gasoline in a car. If levels are low, there’s always a leak that needs professional repair.

How do I know if this is something I should attempt myself or leave to professionals?

Simple rule: If it involves touching, adding, or measuring refrigerant, it requires an EPA-certified professional. Federal law requires special certification and equipment for refrigerant handling because these chemicals can be toxic and harmful to the environment. What you CAN safely do: Look for ice on your AC lines, listen for hissing sounds, check if air from vents feels warm, and monitor your energy bills. What you should NEVER do: Try to add refrigerant, disconnect refrigerant lines, or handle any component with ice formation. If you notice multiple warning signs or hear unusual sounds, turn off your system and contact a professional immediately. For equipment-specific guidance, check our help center resources for detailed troubleshooting steps.

What's the difference between Freon and other types of refrigerant?

Freon is actually a brand name for R-22 refrigerant, which was commonly used until 2010. Many people use “Freon” to refer to any refrigerant, but modern systems use different types: R-22 (Freon): Banned for new production since 2020 due to ozone damage, very expensive now R-410A (Puron): Used from 2010-2024, better for environment but being phased out R-454B: New standard starting 2025, much lower environmental impact Why this matters: If your system uses R-22 and needs major refrigerant work, replacement might be more cost-effective than repair due to the high cost of R-22.