Learn How Refrigerant & Freon Keeps Your Vehicle Cool While Driving In Fairfax, VA

August 2, 2021


We really take for granted how fortunate we are to simply get into our vehicle on a hot day and quickly feel a cool breeze coming from the air conditioning system.

In this blog we are going to discuss the two chemicals that make this process possible. Let us introduce you to refrigerant and freon.

411 on Refrigerant

Refrigerant is the component that goes into the AC compressor to aid the cooling process. It absorbs the heat from the environment and provides air conditioning when it is combined with other compounds such as compressors and evaporators.

How does it work?

It absorbs heat and transitions it from a low-pressure gas to high pressure liquid. Then the chemical compounds react in such a way that the high- pressure liquid is again converted into a low-pressure gas which is cool in nature, and blown through the vent of the air conditioner. This cycle repeats itself.

411 on Freon

Freon is a halocarbon that cycles through your A/C. Freon is a type of refrigerant that cycles through liquid and gas phases, and works to regulate the temperature of your car.

There are about 40 types of freons in general but the types used in air conditioning systems are R134A and R1234YF.

How does it work?

Freon works exactly like other Refrigerants. The process of absorbing and releasing the heat takes place as explained above i.e evaporation & condensation.

Keep in mind that the levels of refrigerant and freon in your vehicle will eventually become low or even leak.
Click here to learn how often your a/c system needs to be recharged.