Do New Air Conditioners Use Freon?

Are you considering a new air conditioner and are wondering, "Do new air conditioners use Freon?" If you're concerned about whether your air conditioner uses this toxic gas, keep reading to discover why new models don't use Freon and how you can tell if you have a refrigerant leak.

As a trusted provider of AC installation in Riverside, CA, Inland Empire Comfort is standing by to quickly deal with Freon issues.

What Is Freon?

Freon is a brand of refrigerant gas consisting of various chemicals and chlorofluorocarbons. It's used predominantly in air conditioners and freezers to help transport warm air away from the device.

While popular in air conditioners produced before 1996, Freon has since been mostly phased out of use. Freon contains ozone-depleting CFCs, making it an environmental hazard. In 2010, the EPA passed the Clean Air Act, outlawing its use in new devices. As such, new AC systems generally use one of the following types of refrigerants:

• R-410 (Puron): Most air conditioners produced between 1996 (when scientists invented it) and 2020 use Puron. While the chemicals aren't hazardous to the ozone, Puron is still toxic to the environment. Though the U.S. Congress started phasing out Puron in 2020, any older AC unit likely uses it.
• R-454b (Puron Advanced): New developments in refrigerant technology have created a gas that works effectively as a cooling agent while only minimally affecting the environment. In general, this new refrigerant allows for a more energy-efficient air conditioner.

Signs Your Air Conditioner Has a Freon Leak

Do new air conditioners use freon? No, but whether you have an old air conditioner with Freon or a new one with a form of Puron, your air conditioning system can still leak refrigerant. 

While the air conditioner uses an enclosed system to circulate the refrigerant, old age or damage can cause it to spring leaks. Here are the top three signs you have a refrigerant leak.

1. Blowing Warm Air

A lack of refrigerant is one of the most common causes of an air conditioner that blows warm air. When its refrigerant levels run low from a leak, your air conditioner can't properly transport the warm air outside, and the device circulates it back into your home.

2. Leaking Water

Your air conditioner shouldn't leak water, and if you notice drips or heavy condensation, the problem is either a clogged drain line or leaking refrigerant. If you notice leaking water, shut off your air conditioner immediately, as leaking Freon poses health and safety risks.

3. Emits a Sweet Smell

While the substance is naturally odorless, because Freon is toxic and flammable, manufacturers add a sweet smell to it. If you smell an odor that reminds you of chloroform or a hospital, shut off your air conditioner and call a technician for help.

Call Inland Empire Comfort To Replace Your Freon

Do new air conditioners use Freon? Luckily, no, but you should still fix leaks quickly. At Inland Empire Comfort, our HVAC technicians expertly handle any air conditioner for old houses and can safely fix leaks and dispose of refrigerant.



To book an appointment, call 951-336-1892.