In Cincinnati, Ohio, homeowners wonder about Puron vs. Freon for the HVAC systems. Though these two refrigerants seem the same, they are actually much more different than one might think. Luckily, Thomas & Galbraith knows the differences between these two refrigerants and wants to share that information with homeowners like you!
Additionally, our trained technicians have a plethora of information on Puron and Freon alternatives. The type of HVAC system you have determines which kind of refrigerant you can purchase. However, there are enough alternatives that work with Puron and Freon systems that you can effectively choose an alternative that works for you.
Many homeowners are unsure of what refrigerant does for the HVAC system. Because of that, they have a hard time deciding which refrigerant to go with, Puron vs. Freon. Refrigerant cools air during the summer with an air conditioning unit. It takes the heat from inside your home, then transfers it outside. In the winter, refrigerant takes heat from outside and puts it into your home. It does this through pressurizing the refrigerant into a gas that moves freely indoor and outdoor components.
Refrigerant comes from several chemicals mixed together in a compound. These chemical compounds are called blends. They start as a liquid, then turn to gas. This process repeats several times for the refrigerant to consistently do its job. These mixtures used to be incredibly flammable and toxic, but today they are far safer. Still, they should not be handled by homeowners.
Freon and Puron are the two chemical compounds that replaced those earlier refrigerants. Though most people know refrigerants are used mostly in HVAC systems, they are key components of other appliances as well. Refrigerants are used in freezers, refrigerators, and vehicles. Because refrigerants appear in so many appliances, homeowners think they have a handle on refilling or repairing leaks. However, refrigerant issues should only be handled by trained professionals.
Because Puron vs. Freon comes up so often when discussing the best refrigerant, it would be foolish to skim over their uses. Homeowners need to know about these refrigerants, even if they are fast becoming obsolete. Both of these blends cause environmental concerns, but Puron does have an edge over Freon. Let’s look at the differences between the two.
Freon
For a large chunk of time, Freon took the place as the standard refrigerant. Known as R22, Freon improved upon earlier refrigerants—called R12—by being greener in general. R12 ruled as the industry standard until it proved to significantly deplete the ozone. That’s when Freon entered the market. It began production in the mid-90s and quickly dominated the market.
In 2010, that changed when the Clean Air Act mandated that production of R22 must cease by 2020. Even though R22 proves less harmful than R12, it still negatively impacts the environment because of the greenhouse gases it lets off.
Many HVAC systems still use Freon as their refrigerant, but it will stop being produced completely in 2020. Because of this, homeowners with older systems will have to switch over to newer systems that don’t use Freon. However, there are still some important things to know about Freon.
Puron became the EPA-approved alternative to Freon shortly after the Clean Air Act in 2010. Puron vs. Freon, then, seems to be an obsolete argument. Still, many devices still use Freon, so Freon hasn’t lost all relevancy yet.
Known as R-410A, Puron provides HVAC systems with a refrigerant that is better for the environment. It does not deplete the ozone, which makes it the best option according to the EPA. Here are some details about Puron.
After 2020, the Puron vs. Freon debate ends. Freon’s expiration date means that Puron will become the new standard for refrigerants. However, that doesn’t mean Puron has no issues.
Though Puron does a better job at protecting the environment than Freon, it still has its problems. It may not deplete the ozone, but it has a high global warming potential. Plus, it still is not 100% safe for people to handle. Here’s some information on how to handle Puron safety.
After that information, the Puron vs. Freon argument seems over. However, Freon systems are still in service. The systems themselves likely still work, but Freon will no longer be an option. That’s where alternatives come in. For those with Puron systems, don’t worry. There are plenty of alternatives for Puron too—especially since it’s likely to phase out next.
To homeowners, Puron vs. Freon doesn’t have to be the only option. The alternatives listed above are often greener and more cost-efficient than the two industry standards. In fact, Puron and Freon are both likely to leave the market entirely by 2023! When that happens, you’ll need a viable alternative for systems that used those refrigerants. With these alternatives, you should be able to find the refrigerant that’s right for you!
Homeowners who wondered about the Puron vs. Freon debate no longer have to worry about this crucial refrigerant decision. With all the information provided in this blog post, homeowners across Cincinnati, Ohio can confidently make a decision between Puron, Freon, or an alternative. Luckily, there are many options to choose from, so everyone can find a refrigerant that suits their needs.
Thomas & Galbraith help homeowners like you with all their plumbing, heating, and cooling needs. Our trained HVAC technicians are standing by to offer repairs and replacements whenever you need them. For more information on our services, visit our website or give us a call. We offer free estimates on service visits and we can schedule your appointment on the phone.