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Can I Mix Different Kinds of Refrigerant?

Before we even get deep into it, we’re gonna answer this for you: NO! Mixing refrigerants can lead to lots of problems with your HVAC system—we’re talking major, irreversible damage.

Mixing different types of refrigerant can cost you big time in the long run. If you’re running low on refrigerant, always contact a trusted HVAC contractor.

Why You Should Never Mix Refrigerant

Mixing different types of refrigerant is never a good idea. Here’s why:

morris jenkins tech holding refrigerant cables

Your System Could Overheat

If you were to mix refrigerants, it would cause all kinds of damage to your system. Your AC unit would likely overheat. Different refrigerants can be at different temperatures. They’re not designed to mix with each other, which means you’ll have refrigerants with two different temperatures running through your unit.

This’ll send mixed messages to your HVAC system that will ultimately result in the system overheating. When this happens, you can burn out your motor (and motors aren’t exactly cheap to replace).

Your System Might Become Less Efficient

Did you know water boils at a lower temperature in the mountains than it does at sea level? The more pressure in the atmosphere, the higher the temperature needs to be for water to boil.

Different refrigerants absorb and release heat under different pressures. The pressure in your coils is controlled in a way that makes the refrigerant boil (which is how it absorbs heat and cools your home). If you mix refrigerant, it might not boil. That means it may not remove heat from your home. Even if it does cool your house, it’ll be working harder to do it. Your utility bills will likely go up, and your AC probably won’t last as long as it should

You Could Damage Your Compressor

You probably don’t need us to tell you that your air conditioner is made up of lots of different parts, each with its own specific job to do. The compressor acts as the heart of the air conditioner; it pumps refrigerant through the coils to keep the unit working like it’s supposed to.

Mixing different types of refrigerant will throw off pressure levels and cause the compressor to either overwork, overheat, or fail entirely. And replacement compressors definitely aren’t cheap; they’re among the most expensive components to replace, so if your compressor goes out on you, you might be better off replacing the entire system.

How Do I Know What Kind of Refrigerant My System Uses?

Not sure what type of refrigerant your AC system runs on? You’re not alone—and that’s totally okay! Most homeowners don’t think about refrigerant until there’s a problem. The easiest way to find out is by checking the label on the outdoor unit. It usually lists the refrigerant type somewhere near the model number

Contact the Pros for AC Repair and Replacement

It’s important to note that you should never handle refrigerant on your own—in fact, it’s actually illegal to do so without proper certification. Refrigerants can be harmful if mishandled, and working with them requires special tools, training, and safety precautions. Always call the professionals, like the heating and air conditioning experts at Morris-Jenkins, for help!

Why Is It Hard to Find R-22 Refrigerant?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began phasing out R-22 refrigerant in January 2010. Part of the regulation required a ban on the production and import of R-22 by the start of 2020.

You Can Continue Using Your R-22 Air Conditioner

When people hear that R-22 refrigerant has been phased out, they usually panic and ask if they need to replace their entire AC system right away. The good news is you don’t! If your air conditioner is still running like it’s supposed to and keeping your home nice and cool, you can absolutely keep using it as you have been.

The phase-out makes it much more expensive and difficult to find R-22 refrigerant, though. So if your system develops a refrigerant leak or needs a recharge, an air conditioning repair will probably be pricey and may not be worth the cost. That’s why it’s smart to start planning ahead for a replacement, even if things are working fine for now.

What Should I Replace R-22 Refrigerant With?

Gone are the days of R-22 refrigerant, so what will you switch to when the time comes for an AC replacement? The most common and reliable option is R-454B, which is much more environmentally friendly.

Greater Performance, Lower Environmental Impact

R-454B is more efficient, better for the environment, and works at a higher pressure than R-22, which means it requires equipment specifically designed for it. If you’re replacing your old air conditioner, the new system will already be set up for R-454B, so you’re good to go. Not only will your new AC run smoother, but you’ll also save money in the long run with improved energy efficiency.

Air Conditioning Problems? Contact Morris-Jenkins for Air Conditioner Replacement in Charlotte, NC

If your unit uses R-22, you should consider replacing it with a newer unit that uses R-454B instead. While replacing your unit isn’t necessary if you don’t have a leak, R-454B is more energy efficient than R-22. That means you can save money on your utility bills!

If your R-22 system isn’t working like it did in its prime, it might be worth looking into replacements. Your new unit would be installed with R-454B, so no need to worry about replacing your refrigerant! If you’re ready to talk about replacing your AC, we offer free in-home estimates. Just give us a call!

Whether you’re looking into installing a new unit or need a professional AC repair, the highly trained technicians at Morris-Jenkins are ready to help. We’re here til midnight to keep your home safe, cool, and comfortable! We help homeowners across Charlotte get the HVAC service they need, when they need it; whether that’s furnace repairs, AC replacements, or anything in between! Contact us today!