Refrigerant is the working fluid in any AC or heat pump. It absorbs heat as it evaporates in the indoor coil, then releases that heat as it condenses in the outdoor coil. Modern refrigerants cycle through liquid and gas states thousands of times per cooling season.
Refrigerants you’ll see in Colorado homes
- R-22 (Freon) — banned for new production in 2020. Older systems only.
- R-410A (Puron) — most common in systems sold 2010-2024. Being phased out.
- R-454B / R-32 — new low-GWP refrigerants in systems sold from 2025+.
Refrigerant Doesn’t Get “Used Up”
If your AC is “low on refrigerant,” there’s a leak somewhere. Refrigerant operates in a closed loop and doesn’t get consumed. EPA rules require finding and repairing the leak before recharging. “Topping off” without leak repair is both illegal and a waste of money.
EPA 608 certification required
Federal law requires EPA 608 certification for any technician working on refrigerant systems. Always confirm before any tech connects gauges to your system.
Related: R-22, R-410A, R-454B, EPA 608.
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Right Way Mechanical is a family-owned HVAC contractor serving Wheat Ridge, Arvada, west Denver, and the Colorado foothills.