What Is the Best Type of Refrigerant for Texas Home AC

Table of contents

• R-134 A
• R-407 C
• R-410 A
• Which Type of Refrigerant Is Right for Your Home?
• Need a Refrigerant Recharge?

While we rely on our air conditioning units to keep us cool during the hot Dallas summer months, your air conditioning unit relies on you to ensure it has the right refrigerant to get the job done. While thinking about what type of refrigerant goes into your air conditioning may seem odd, it definitely can make a difference in the effectiveness of your unit. Not sure where to begin? This guide was created by our experienced HVAC technicians to give more information on the type of refrigerant we would recommend.

R-134 A

R-134, also known as Norflurane, is a haloalkane that possesses thermodynamic properties. While traditionally this type of refrigerant is used for vehicles, it can also be extremely effective in smaller indoor air conditioning units.

Unlike the other types of refrigerant on our list, R-134 A is not blended and is made up of a single component. This allows this refrigerant to be more environmentally-friendly by not using pollutants that put the ozone layer at risk. Due to its environmentally friendly nature, many commercial companies tend to use R-134 for their larger trucks and smaller office spaces as well.

R-407 C

Traditionally, R-22 refrigerant was used on older models of air conditioners. However, over the years it has become increasingly apparent that R-22 is extremely bad for the environment and contributed greatly to the depletion of the ozone layer. In fact, R-22 is being phased out and as of 2020 is no longer allowed for use in the United States. However, HVAC technicians needed a replacement that had thermodynamic properties to be able to take R-22’s place. Their answer, R-407 C.

R-407 C is composed of a mixture of hydrofluorocarbons which include a blend of pentafluoroethane, difluoromethane, and tetrafluoroethane. This type of refrigerant works well with both newer and older air conditioners, ductless mini-splits, and water chillers. R-407 C works best in appliances that use nitrogen as a holding charge. The best part is, R-407 C has been deemed safe for the environment and has an impressive Ozone Depletion Potential of Zero.

R-407 C is widely available making it a costly effective option and can be bought in cylinders or drums.

R-410 A

This special refrigerant is created from a blend of hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants, difluoromethane, and pentafluoroethane. Additionally, it is non-ozone depleting, which is a tremendous credit to its current and future use as a household refrigerant. 

With its quick cooling properties, R-410 A is known for its ability to help improve the energy efficiency of your unit, saving you money in the long run. However, it should be noted that R-410 A was specifically designed for newer air conditioning units as it has a higher pressure than the other two refrigerants and requires a different manifold pressure gauge. However, if your unit is older than twenty years old, it may be time for a full air conditioner replacement. Our dedicated team at Comfort Masters Heating & Air Conditioning can help you find the perfect unit for your home.

Which Type of Refrigerant Is Right for Your Home?

With all of the different refrigerants on the market, it can be difficult to understand which one will ultimately benefit you in the long run. Most HVAC technicians will agree that the R-410 A is one of the best refrigerants on the market. What makes it one of the best? It has high energy efficiency, powerful performance leading to a better working system, and is environmentally friendly. With all of these characteristics, it smokes the competition in terms of strength.

However, it may not be the right fit for everyone. For example, if you have an older home with an older air conditioning unit, then the R-410 A will not work. Instead, your situation would best call for the R-407 C. Due to its lower pressure needs, it is still a fantastic refrigerant that also boasts environmentally friendliness.

Need a Refrigerant Recharge?

When you are in need of a refrigerant recharge, the team at Comfort Masters Heating & Air Conditioning can help! We have years of Fort Worth air conditioning experience under our belts and our continuous strive to learn more about our industry has led us to be one of the best in the business. For all of your air conditioning needs, you can rest assured that there is no better name than Comfort Masters Heating & Air Conditioning. Contact us today for more information on our services or to set up an appointment.

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