With the recent R22 ban now going into full effect, this is a very common question for people looking to upgrade or change the refrigerant in their air conditioning unit. The simple answer is no, you should never mix refrigerants in your air conditioning unit. There are a few reasons why this should not be done, and it pays to do your air conditioning unit research. Many air conditioner units use refrigerant called R-22, which is a CFC (chlorofluorocarbon), especially units installed prior to 2010, as the EPA has now phased out R-22 due to its environmental impact. It is important to know what type of refrigerant your air conditioning unit uses.
Galmiche & Sons is your St. Louis source for heating & air conditioning. We take the steps to ensure refrigerants are never mixed and your system is always in optimal condition. Give us a call at 314-993-1110 today.
What Happens to My Air Conditioning Unit if I Mix Refrigerants?
There are several reasons why using two different types of refrigerant in your air conditioning unit is a bad idea. Here at Galmiche & Sons, we believe in doing the right thing for our customers, which means never cutting corners and extending the life of their AC unit.
Look at some reasons to never mix refrigerant in your air conditioning unit:
- It is Against the Law – As the EPA has phased out the use of R-22 refrigerants, it is illegal for contractors to mix refrigerants. This is because when mixed, the refrigerant is no longer reusable and must be incinerated. While it is unlikely you will be prosecuted for this, it is just not a great idea.
- Inefficiency – Mixed refrigerants lead to your compress cooling less effectively, which means that your HVAC system must work harder to cool your home.
- Potential Damage – With mixed coolants, your air conditioning unit is more susceptible to damage. This is because mixed refrigerants have an unpredictable temperature, which adds extra stress to your compressor.
- Energy Cost Increase – With a compressor that is working inefficiently, it probably comes as no surprise that your energy bills will increase. This is due to your AC unit working overtime to cool your home. This coupled with potential system damage makes mixing refrigerants a costly gamble.
Why Do People Mix Refrigerants?
There are a number of reasons someone may try to mix refrigerants in your air conditioning system. For example, an unscrupulous contractor or technician may mix refrigerants out of laziness or due to cost. Many will simply top off your system without bothering to check refrigerant type. By the time you figure it out, it could be too late. At Galmiche & Sons, we always take the time determine your refrigerant type and we never mix them under any circumstances.
Worried About Refrigerant in Your Air Conditioning Unit? Call Us
We are proud of our reputation as one of the most trusted HVAC companies in St. Louis. We believe in a job well done and customer satisfaction. Our heating & air conditioning technicians never cut corners and are here to help with any of your heating and air conditioning needs. To learn more or schedule an appointment, give us a call at 314-993-1110 and let us put your mind at ease.
