What Is Freon?

Freon is a term commonly used to refer to certain types of refrigerants used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Specifically, it is a brand name that has become a generic term for refrigerants, much like "Kleenex" is often used to refer to facial tissue. The name "Freon" encompasses a group of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which have been used extensively in various cooling systems.

The most well-known type of Freon is R-22, which has been widely used in air conditioning systems for many years. However, due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer, the production and import of R-22 and other CFCs and HCFCs have been phased out under international environmental agreements like the Montreal Protocol.

In this guide, we'll explore:

Freon was once praised for its use in air conditioners because of its non-flammability. Inventor Thomas Midgley, Jr. demonstrated its effectiveness by extinguishing a lit candle with Freon vapors, quickly revolutionizing air conditioning.

However, in 1987, the Montreal Protocol, led by the United Nations Environment Programme, began limiting the use of this refrigerant. This treaty was meant to protect the ozone layer by gradually eliminating the use of harmful substances, including CFCs and HCFCs like Freon. This was due to Freon's detrimental impact on the ozone layer and its potential to exacerbate global warming.

Freon is used as a refrigerant in AC systems, cycling through a closed loop of evaporation and condensation. The compressor first compacts Freon into a high-pressure gas, which travels to the condenser, where it releases absorbed heat and condenses into a cool liquid. This cool liquid flows through the expansion valve, then expands rapidly and cools further to become a low-pressure cold vapor while entering the evaporator.

Once inside the evaporator, Freon captures heat from interior air that blows over the fan coil, cooling the air and letting refrigerant evaporate back into vapor. This vapor returns to the compressor to repeat the cycle, creating a cooler indoor climate and releasing heat outside.

Due to environmental concerns, governments began phasing out the use of R-22 Freon. In 1992, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also began the process, phasing out Freon use in cars starting in 1995 and banning its use in new ACs, heat pumps, and refrigeration systems in 2010. By 2020, the production and import of Freon was banned.

Despite the ban on Freon, many older air conditioners still rely on it. This poses a long-term issue as only a limited amount of Freon is left due to the ban. If your cooling system relies on Freon, it may be time to start considering alternatives for when your AC inevitably needs a recharge or repair. Because this job requires special tools and regulatory knowledge, you might need to replace your unit with a more modern system that complies with regulations.

If your AC system still relies on Freon, you can either retrofit it or replace it. The right choice depends on several factors. Retrofitted systems use newer refrigerants by replacing certain parts of the AC unit to make it compatible. However, this isn't always the right choice, particularly for old units that might be nearing the end of their life. A skilled technician can help determine if your current AC unit is a candidate for retrofitting.

Replacing the unit can sometimes be more cost-effective in the long run, as modern ACs are typically more energy-efficient and safer for the environment. But keep in mind that they often come with a higher up-front investment.