As the HVAC industry continues to evolve, one of the biggest changes we’ve seen over the past few decades is the change in air conditioning refrigerants: R-22 (commonly known as Freon) was replaced by R-410A (known as Puron). This change was driven by the need to reduce the environmental impact of air conditioners, as R-22 is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) that depletes the ozone layer. Puron, on the other hand, is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) with no ozone depletion potential, making it the more environmentally friendly choice.
However, as technology and environmental standards advance, it’s a good time to ask: What comes after Puron?
Why the Need for a New Refrigerant?
Puron has served us well since its introduction, providing a more efficient and environmentally safe alternative. However, despite its benefits, Puron has drawbacks because of its greenhouse gas emissions. With increasing regulatory pressures and a global commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the HVAC industry is actively looking into new refrigerants that are even more environmentally friendly.
Potential Future Refrigerants
Several refrigerants are currently being explored as potential successors to Puron. These include:
- R-32: A single-component refrigerant with less environmental impact and great energy efficiency. However, it’s mildly flammable and requires specific safety measures during installation and maintenance.
- Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs): A new class of refrigerants with almost close to zero environmental impact. One of the most promising of HFOs is already being used in automotive air conditioning. However, like R-32, HFOs are mildly flammable.
- Natural Refrigerants: Natural refrigerants such as ammonia (R-717), carbon dioxide (R-744), and hydrocarbons like propane (R-290) are also being considered as future refrigerants. They offer the potential for significant environmental benefits, but they’re limited by flammability, toxicity, and specialized equipment requirements.
Transitioning to New Refrigerants
The transition to new refrigerants won’t happen overnight. It will require updates to HVAC systems, new training for technicians, and adjustments in manufacturing processes. Homeowners will also need to be informed about the benefits and safety considerations of the new refrigerants.
We’re committed to staying at the forefront of these developments. Our team of experts is continuously trained on the latest technologies and refrigerants to ensure we can provide our customers with the best solutions for their cooling needs.
What You Can Do Now
Puron is still the primary refrigerant used in modern air conditioning systems. If your AC system is more than 15 years old and still uses R-22, it’s time to consider an upgrade. R-22 has been fully phased out due to its harmful environmental effects, and continuing to use an old R-22 system can be costly and inefficient, and you may not be able to have your R-22 AC repaired.
Upgrading to a new Puron air conditioner in Clovis can significantly improve your home’s comfort, reduce your energy bills, and help protect the environment. We can help you find the perfect AC system tailored to your needs and which will give you years of effective and energy-efficient comfort. Our experienced technicians will ensure that your new system is installed correctly and maintained for optimal performance.
Contact Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning for all your up-to-date AC needs. Uncompromised Quality & Customer Service Since 1952.