A refrigerant is an essential part of the air conditioning system. This compound is usually gas or liquid, and when combined with other components of the AC system, it removes the heat from a specific inside area and exhausts it outside. Here, we are talking about evaporators and compressors.
You probably have an AC system in your home. It has become a standard, so millions of households around the world have it. But, are you familiar with the refrigerant it uses? In the following article, we will give you some tips on how to choose the right one and tell you about the benefits of the newest kind, the R-32.
Things to consider
Yes, there are several things you have to think about before making this decision. It is more complex than simply going to the store and buying one. These things aren’t only related to your experience and health, but also the well-being of the environment.
Environmental impact
Due to this, one of the initial things you have to think about is the impact a specific refrigerant will have on the environment. What do we mean by this? Well, first of all, there is the ozone depleting potential. Obviously, here we are talking about the destruction of the ozone layer. Considering that we have been using refrigerants for over 100 years, it is not necessary to specify that the technology has changed a lot and that these have been upgraded over the years. However, keep in mind that this process is still occurring, meaning that you should also regularly upgrade your AC system and all of its components.
Going back to the environmental impact of this compound, we cannot forget about its contribution to global warming. As you know, this is a significant issue, and your air conditioning can be contributing factor if you don’t do something about it. If you have already made so many changes, what’s one more?
Safety
Safety is the next thing you have to consider. You must ensure that the chosen refrigerant is safe and that you won’t have to worry about the functioning of the AC system. Installing it can be pretty expensive, so you have to go with a compound that won’t shorten its life cycle.
Therefore, you have to find a refrigerant that is safe to handle, install, transport, and that can even be recycled. In addition, you have to investigate how flammable and toxic it is. Now, the trick is that there are some refrigerant options that aren’t flammable and toxic, but their environmental impact is also very bad. When choosing one, you have to find the right balance.
Energy efficiency
Naturally, the consumption of energy is one of the crucial things you have to consider when choosing a refrigerant. The AC system can greatly increase your household’s energy bill. You probably use it throughout the entire year to cool your house down during hot summer months but also to warm it during the winter. As you can assume by now, the proper refrigerant is one way to keep it in control. This becomes even more significant if you live in an area where the weather can be really harsh.
Cost
Finally, you have to think about the overall cost. Yes, choosing the best refrigerant is important both for your safety and experience as well as the environment, but still, this doesn’t mean that you should go with something you cannot afford. Here, we are not talking only about the price of the product but also the additional cost. Can it be recycled? Is it easy to maintain? Will it save you money on repairs? Is it energy efficient, that is, does it decrease the energy consumption and your monthly bills? If you are unsure how much money you should invest, our advice is to investigate some popular choices first, learn about their prices, and then come up with a budget accordingly.
What is R-32?
Simply put, if you are interested in investing in a top-notch refrigerant, R-32 is the way to go. The main goal of the company that developed it, Daikin, was to create something that will take the AC technology a step further. This product has been quickly adopted in some parts of the world, and its expansion to other countries is expected to occur soon.
The best part is that you can easily update your current AC system and introduce this refrigerant to it. However, keep in mind that you first have to check with the professional whether your system supports it, and you can learn more about the requirements on irishheatandair.com.
Why should you make this investment?
As already stated, we will tell you about the benefits of using R-32, and here are some of them. First things first, it isn’t as toxic and flammable as some of the previously developed products, which means that you won’t have to worry about the safety of your property and family. When it comes to flammability, according to International Standards, there are four categories, and R-32 falls under Class 2. In a nutshell, it means that this product will not explode even if ignited.
Next, there is a matter of environmental impact. Furthermore, this refrigerant has zero ozone depletion potential, which makes it the best alternative to currently used products. When it comes to global warming, its potential is 675. For instance, the GWP of R-22 is 1,810, while the one of R-410A is 2,090. You have to admit that this is a significant improvement.
In addition, it is also energy-efficient since its effect is 1.5 times higher than the other alternatives. It means that it uses volume per kW. Hence, its energy consumption is significantly lower, so it will decrease your monthly bill and save you a lot of money in the long run.
Since it is gas, it is pretty simple to handle, install, and maintain, even though this should only be done by professionals. Finally, this product is fairly affordable, meaning that you won’t have to spend too much on purchasing, and it is widely available, so you will easily find a company to install and maintain it regularly.
