Freon is a colorless gas that is also known as R-22. Freon is the name of a registered patent for a commercial refrigerant manufactured by DuPont. When it is deeply inhaled, it can cut off vital oxygen to your cells and lungs. Freon and other refrigerants are short lived though, because there are new and exciting technologies which will be hitting the air conditioning industry in the next few years which are completely safe for the environment, and the great part is that they also lower your electric bill by around 40 to 80 percent! Heat Pump Installation Cost 2019 - What's a Fair Price. I am sad to say that the HVAC industry is probably one of the worst offenders in the construction industry. Depletion of the ozone could create a threat to animal life on Earth because ozone absorbs ultraviolet radiation that can induce skin cancer. specialist who may utilize auto-dial technology to contact you, even if the number you provided is on a do The long answer: What is Freon gas? Now, regardless of which side you sit on with regards to the ozone debate, if your contractor gets caught venting Freon without a good reason then he, and in Santa Clarita you could be held liable. Symptoms can vary depending on the extent of the Freon exposure, but even a small amount of exposure can cause serious symptoms in humans. In 1987, the United States entered into a global agreement called the Montreal Protocol Link opens in a new tab . This allows the gas to absorb heat and lower the air inside the room or building. The harvesting of Freon is not a challenging task, but there are a lot of “old-school” contractors who just let it vent into the atmosphere. As such, I figured that our blog was the perfect forum for answering some of these questions. "Freon" is a commonly known brand of refrigerant, though it is not a descriptive or generic term. The good news is that new air conditioning systems made since 2010 no longer rely on Freon. How does an air conditioner work? For decades, Freon, also known as HCFC-22 and R-22, was the main refrigerant chemical used in residential air conditioning units and heat pumps. Every air conditioning system needs a refrigerant (also called a coolant) that actually creates the cool air -- that's the role of Freon. This refrigerant remained popular until it was found to be damaging to the planet’s protective ozone layer. The gas is then recompressed and this process begins a… Freon is a tasteless, mostly odorless gas. To help protect the ozone layer, the EPA has mandated that the production of Freon be stopped by January 2020. We want to make sure everyone's questions are answered. Their low boiling points, low surface tension, and low viscosity make them especially useful refrigerants. Although Freon is a brand name, it has come to be referred to in the HVAC industry as a synonym for “refrigerant.” Freon is a medium toxic but stable halocarbon – what this means, I have no idea but that is why I write articles for the everyday person and leave the smart-talk for my partner, Mike. fair rate you should spend for the total project. Your Food Feels Warm. If you have a question that you’d like answered in our blog, please contact ASM and we’d be happy to write you an article. Although Freon is a brand name, it has come to be referred … Most residential air-conditioning units contain the standard R-22 refrigerant, or freon. If you are interested in this new DEVAP technology and more environmentally friendly refrigerant technology, take a look at this: New Commercial Air Conditioning Technology – DEVAP, In the end, Freon is just the name of a commercial refrigerant manufactured by a company, and even though it is kind of like calling all chicken nuggets “Chicken McNuggets,” it has become a part of the air conditioner lingo – at least now you know. The use of ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in aerosol-spray propellants was banned beginning in the late 1970s in places such as the United States, Canada, and Scandinavia. Thus, Freons are types of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and related compounds. How to Fix Your Iced Up Air Conditioner, What Size Central Air Conditioner Do I Need for My House? You also know that asking “what is Freon made of,” should actually be rephrased as, “what are refrigerants made of?”. With ozone depletion a top priority and today’s era of clean and green technologies, asking what is Freon made of, or what is Freon gas is a lot more common than it used to be. Everything you need to know about Freon, refrigerants and CFCs. Refrigerant poisoning can occur if a person inhales or consumes the chemicals — also known by the brand name of Freon — from cooling appliances, … Try our online calculator; click the tab on the top of this page for more information. The short answer: Freon is the commercial brand name of a refrigerant patented by DuPont. Examples are R-22 and R-410A, both used heavily in the HVAC industry although people are in the process of changing to R-410A (known as Puron, which will not deplete the ozone layer). By submitting this form, you consent to receive a call, email, or text from a The University of Virginia - 2005 / The Wharton School of Finance - 2016 / U.S. As In addition to fluorine and carbon, Freons often contain hydrogen, chlorine, or bromine. Most of us take it for granted that you can simply reach into the refrigerator … Purchasing Freon™ refrigerants by The Chemours Company provides a reliable supply of high-quality refrigerants to use in new equipment and retrofit opportunities, and to service installed air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Would you like to see the best local offers and seasonal specials in the Century area? In addition to fluorine and carbon, Freons often contain hydrogen, chlorine, or bromine. Heat Pump Temperature Ranges. How Freon works. Freon synonyms, Freon pronunciation, Freon translation, English dictionary definition of Freon. Corrections? a brand name for any of a class of liquid or gaseous fluorocarbon or chlorofluorocarbon products, used chiefly as refrigerants. R-134A is made of a single component and is not blended like most R-12 and R-22 alternatives are. That comes with a caveat, though. Freon is a gas that's used for cooling. In such systems, a mixture of chemicals known as a refrigerant is contained in liquid form under pressure, and when that mixture is pumped into a region of lower pressure, it expands and changes phase into a gas, absorbing nearby heat before being pumped to a different location. It’s the key to absorbing and removing heat from a space. We've got you covered! The Freon liquid then flows through an expansion valve, which causes it to cool down until it evaporates. By the early 1990s, accumulating evidence of ozone depletion in the polar regions had heightened worldwide public alarm over the problem, and by 1996 most developed countries had banned the production of nearly all Freons. Top 10 Air Conditioner Brands of 2019 - What is the Best Air Conditioner Brand? You might also hear R22 refrigerant called by its chemical name, hydrochlorofluorocarbon 22 (HCFC-22). According to Environmental Protection Agency regulations, any product using or recycling a blend requires a separate machine … Don’t be afraid to contact ASM with any additional questions you might have – we are always happy to help with any of your air conditioning or heating needs. We use Freon because it has a rather useful property that is important to the air conditioning industry – it creates a cooling effect when it evaporates. They are extremely stable, inert compounds. Chloro-what? What is Freon made of? A Short Consumer's Guide From ASM. The name Freon is a trademark registered by E.I. Breathing air that is contaminated with Freon can cause respiratory difficulties, organ damage and, in some cases, death. Freon is a colorless gas that is also known as R-22. A representative from NextGen Air (BBB A+ rated) will be calling you shortly to confirm your appointment. Examples include R-12, often used in refrigerators, and R-22 (also called HCFC-22), used in home air conditioning units. Many working fluids have been used for such purposes. The Freons are colourless, odourless, nonflammable, noncorrosive gases or liquids of low toxicity that were introduced as refrigerants in the 1930s; they also proved useful as propellants for aerosols and in numerous technical applications. The most important members of the group have been dichlorodifluoromethane (Freon 12), trichlorofluoromethane (Freon 11), chlorodifluoromethane (Freon 22), dichlorotetrafluoroethane (Freon 114), and trichlorotrifluoroethane (Freon 113). If you have a spouse or partner, we recommend you both participate in your estimate/service appointment. The use of Freons in aerosol-spray containers was banned in the United States in the late 1970s. Companies have quoted prices ranging from $35 to $175 per pound for R-22. The cold gas is then channeled through another set of coils. As necessary as Freon is to the optimal performance of your your air conditioner, you do not want to handle a potential Freon problem yourself. Through the 1980s, Freon™ was used in a wide variety of applications, until growing evidence suggested that it was contributing to damage in the ozone layer which protects the Earth. Freon (R22 refrigerant or hydrochlorofluorocarbon [HCFC-22]) is a coolant that was commonly used in air conditioning systems until 2004. Refrigerant Definition: A refrigerant is a compound that can readily absorb heat at one temperature, then compressed by a heat pump to a higher temperature and pressure where it changes phase and discharges the absorbed heat. Air Conditioner Won't Turn On - 5 Troubleshooting Steps for a Broken AC, What is a Heat Pump? This also means that when people ask “what is Freon gas,” they should instead be asking, “what is refrigerant and what is it made of?”. Related to Freon: Freon 12 carbon tetrachloride A volatile liquid used as a solvent and cleaning agent (dry cleaning), and in fire extinguishers and refrigerants. Thus, Freons are types of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and related compounds. It facilitates easy retrofitting in which the technician simply recovers the R-22, replaces critical seals, charges the Freon™ MO99™ refrigerant, and monitors for leaks. In the mid-1970s, photochemical dissociation of Freons and related CFCs was implicated as a major cause of the apparent degradation of Earth’s ozone layer. The construction industry is filled with all sorts of language that can make the layman cringe at the thought of it. Moreover, the servicing of R22 systems is now limited to the use of recycled or stockpiled quantities of Freon. So, now we know that Freon is just a common term used to refer to a commercial AC refrigerant. Most refrigeration units depend on the chemical reactions of refrigerant gas … Freon is the name of a registered patent for a commercial refrigerant manufactured by DuPont. For immediate assistance you may call (855) 715-4500. what sized unit you will need, which brands consumers prefer, Types of refrigerant: R22 Be an Insider, and Get Your HVAC-Facts Report Before You Talk to a Contractor. Don’t worry, I think the same thing and I do this for a living. Your consent is not a condition to purchase any product or service. We'll call you shortly to confirm the time that works best for you. Author of. That being said, we are nevertheless often asked by our clients what some of these terms mean, like what is a condenser, or what does HVAC stand for? Freon, CFCs and halocarbons – so when you ask a question like “what is Freon made of,” getting a direct answer is hard. R22 refrigerant has been used for years in central air conditioners, heat pumps, mini-splits, car AC systems, and other refrigeration equipment. In most cycles it undergoes phase transitions from a liquid to a gas and back again. Freon is a non-combustible gas that is used as a refrigerant in air conditioning applications. I remember what it was like when I started in the HVAC industry and I felt like people were speaking a foreign language – a language I didn’t understand. Freon is a refrigerant that cycles through liquid and gas phases, and works to regulate the temperature of your car. Dupont trademarked the name Freon. Dupont trademarked the name Freon. “Freon” is simply a brand name owned by DuPont chemicals. See more about how it does this in How does an air conditioner work? not call registry. A haloalkane refrigerant with thermodynamic properties, Norflurane is more commonly referred to as R-134A. we will generate a comprehensive report for you. This report will tell you exactly A DuPont refrigerant A refrigerant is a substance or mixture, usually a fluid, used in a heat pump and refrigeration cycle. Because of this, working with the refrigerant does not require the use of multiple recovery machines. For more on choosing the right AC contractor, read 5 Tips You Must Know When Choosing an HVAC Contractor. Simply answer a few additional questions about your home and So you may or may not have Freon ™ refrigerant, but you definitely have some kind of refrigerant … R-22 is non-flammable and non-toxic, with a fairly low heat transfer coefficient that makes it an ideal refrigerant for home AC use. The Freons neither present a fire hazard nor give off a detectable odour in their circulation through refrigerating and air-conditioning systems. Freon™ is a family of products developed by the DuPont company in 1928. Air conditioner freon is responsible for cooling your car - it's a key component of your car's A/C. Why Is My Air Conditioner Freezing Up? Copyright © 2018 Krankenwerks, Inc. All Rights Reserved. It has become so common, that we often call ALL brands of refrigerant Freon, even if they are a different brand. The refrigerants used in your air conditioner are called chlorofluorocarbons, also known as CFCs. If you can believe it, one of the most frequent questions we are asked on installations is, “what is freon made of?”. If you're in the market for a new AC or furnace, make sure that you get a fair price! 5 Tips You Must Know When Choosing an HVAC Contractor. At All Systems Mechanical air conditioning and heating, we believe that the experience our clients have is every bit as important as the products they receive. When used in a freezer, it keeps your food cold and the overall temperature below freezing. Freon is a halocarbon that cycles through your A/C. Top 10 Heat Pump Brands of 2020 - Which is the Best Heat Pump Brand? But it’s used as a generic term for any air conditioning coolant. Your specialist will Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. To those in the know, these CFCs may sound familiar because they are better known for their controversial roll in the ongoing debate about ozone depletion, which is why all licensed HVAC contractors are required to harvest it upon the recharging of an AC unit instead of letting it empty into the atmosphere. HVAC Installation Cost 2019 - What's a Fair Price for a New Heating and Air Conditioning Installation? Refrigerant is a chemical that produces a cooling effect while expanding or vaporizing. Associate Professor of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville. Freon is the cooling agent used in most air conditioning systems. Updates? I would wager that most licensed contractors do this properly, but just so you’re in the know, it wasn’t always done this way. Freon, (trademark), any of several simple fluorinated aliphatic organic compounds that are used in commerce and industry. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. du Pont de Nemours & Company. Last Modified Date: December 13, 2020 A refrigerant is a chemical used in cooling systems for mechanical devices such as refrigerators, walk-in freezers, or air conditioners. We value your privacy. Freon is a tradema rked bran d name of air conditioning refrigerant created by DuPont. Kind of scary when you think about it, but how often do we look back at how things used to be done and cringe? Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership. AIR CONDITIONER FREON. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Freon, (trademark), any of several simple fluorinated aliphatic organic compounds that are used in commerce and industry. How Freon works. Omissions? Freon™ MO99™ significantly lowers discharge temperatures, which may extend compressor life. Naval Aviator 2005-2015. As of January 2020, R-22 is no longer made in or imported into the U.S. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). The result is low-pressure Freon gas. Freon™ 22, also known commercially as R22 or HCFC-22, is widely available and is used by most older AC units. Save money here on your Heating and AC system! Simply put, our results speak for themselves, and we'd be happy to help. R22 refrigerant, sometimes known as R22 Freon or HCFC-22 Freon, is an environmental danger because it contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer. This is one of the many reasons that it is so important to hire a licensed HVAC contractor and ensure that this is done properly. The U.S. government has placed restrictions on R22 and has issued the requirement that R22 refrigerant must be eliminated from use in cooling systems by the year 2020. CFCs have been used in refrigeration and aerosol cans for many years, but in 1974, a researcher at the University of California hypothesized that CFCs were destroying the ozone layer. See also chlorofluorocarbon. Before we even know what CFCs were and how they hurt the ozone layer it was common practice to release the Freon directly into the air! listen to you, understand your current situation, and provide your consultation at no obligation. Click Here to See If You Are in ASM’s Service Area. Joking aside, this means that it is slightly toxic though, which I will address below, but that it is chemically stable and will not react when mixed with other substances. As of 2020, it’s no longer legal to import or produce r22 in the United States. Freon is a colorless, non-flammable substance, but if it's leaking, then it can smell like fresh-cut grass. Without refrigerant, there would be no air conditioning, refrigeration or freezing technology.Air conditioners contain refrigerant inside copper coils. Back in the lab, a new refrigerant was developed, tetrafluoroethane. how much the units will cost, and the Most household air conditioning units work by using a vapor-compression refrigeration system. Converting to Freon™ MO99™ also: Freon is the brand name for a series of manufactured gases used as refrigerants. The Heat Pump Crash Course from ASM-air, At What Temperature is a Heat Pump Not Effective? For decades R22 (Freon) was the industry standard for A/C refrigerant, but it’s now illegal to manufacture or import R22 (and R142b) gas into the United States. CFCs have been used in refrigeration and aerosol cans for many years, but in 1974, a researcher at the University of California hypothesized that CFCs were destroying the ozone layer. 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More on Choosing the right AC Contractor, read 5 Tips you Must know when Choosing an HVAC.! By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and we 'd happy! The EPA has mandated that the HVAC industry is probably one of the offenders! Speak for themselves, and R-22 alternatives are the Century Area commercial brand name for a commercial refrigerant manufactured DuPont... R-22 alternatives are new year with a fairly low Heat transfer coefficient that it... Absorbs ultraviolet radiation that can induce skin cancer Conditioner do I need for My?! $ 175 per pound for R-22 any product or Service is deeply inhaled it... Choosing the right AC Contractor, read 5 Tips you Must know when Choosing an HVAC.! Chlorofluorocarbon products, used in most air conditioning systems until 2004 of gases. The gas to absorb Heat and lower the air inside the room or building Freons are types of chlorofluorocarbons CFCs. 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