Cooling Refrigerants

Refrigerants are what make air conditioning possible. Contained within the coils of an air conditioner, these liquid agents cool and dehumidify indoor air. For years, the most common refrigerant used in air-conditioning systems was R-22 (Freon).

Today, in response to growing environmental concerns, production of systems using R-22 refrigerant is being phased out. Meanwhile, Lennox is leading the industry in introducing systems that use an environmentally friendly alternative to R-22.

R-22. The old standard.

Acting in accordance with an international treaty called the Montreal Protocol, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has mandated the phaseout of R-22 through the Clean Air Act. As of 2010, the manufacture of systems using R-22 refrigerant will be prohibited, and by 2020 the production of R-22 itself must cease.

The main reason for this regulatory action is that R-22 is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) compound, which contains ozone-depleting chlorine.

R-410A. The refrigerant of the future.

Lennox has now transitioned to the manufacture of cooling systems that use the EPA-recognized chlorine-free R-410A refrigerant. Because R-410A contains no chlorine, it is considered ozone-friendly.

Lennox high-efficiency Air Conditioning systems are designed to use R-410A refrigerant, therefore providing an economic benefit in addition to the environmental benefit. Lennox R-410A systems are also known for improved reliability, quieter operation, improved dehumidification and enhanced heat pump performance.

Additional Considerations

Availability

Even though HVAC manufacturers are required to phase out production of R-22 equipment, use of R-22 refrigerant is still permissible in systems manufactured prior to 2010. However, the availability of R-22 supplies may become short in the coming years. So by choosing an R-410A system now, you are wisely planning ahead with an ozone-friendly solution.

Installation and Servicing

R-410A systems are only capable of delivering environmental and energy savings when properly installed and serviced. Lennox dealers employ skilled technicians who are specifically trained and certified to work with R-410A systems.

System Matching

If you purchase an air conditioner that uses R-410A, your HVAC technician will need to inspect your indoor unit to see if it meets the performance requirements of the R-410A system. If the indoor unit is older, it will likely need replacing.

Retrofitting

R-410A cannot be substituted into existing systems designed to use R-22 refrigerant. Use of R-410A in any cooling system not specifically designed for this new refrigerant can damage the equipment or cause it to malfunction.

To learn more about Refrigerants, Contact Climate Works Today!