Air Conditioner Refrigerant: What South Florida Homeowners Should Know
Air conditioner refrigerant, often referred to generically as Freon, is the substance your AC system uses to remove heat from your home. Without the proper refrigerant level, your system cannot cool efficiently, and in some cases may stop working altogether. In South Florida, where AC systems run nearly year-round and are exposed to coastal humidity and salt air, refrigerant leaks are more common than most homeowners expect. Corrosion from the coastal environment accelerates wear on coils and fittings, which are the most common sources of slow refrigerant leaks in this region.
Refrigerant circulates through your AC system in a closed loop, absorbing heat from inside your home and releasing it outdoors so cool air can circulate through your vents. When that loop is compromised, your home stops cooling and the system works harder to compensate, driving up energy bills in the process.
If your AC isn’t cooling like it used to, low refrigerant may be the cause. Call Cousin’s Air at (954) 228-5965 for a professional inspection.
Types of Air Conditioner Refrigerant
R-22 (Freon®)
- Found in older AC systems
- Phased out in the U.S. due to ozone depletion
- More expensive and harder to source
- Less energy-efficient
Many South Florida homes still have systems running on R-22, particularly in older neighborhoods across Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, and western Boca Raton. Because R-22 is no longer manufactured in the U.S., supply is limited and costs have risen sharply. For homeowners in this situation, the cost of another R-22 recharge often makes replacement the smarter financial decision.
R-410A
- Used in modern air conditioners installed between the late 1990s and 2023
- Environmentally safer than R-22
- More efficient heat transfer
- Allows for efficient heat transfer, which can help systems operate more effectively
Newer Refrigerants (R-454B & R-32)
- Used in many newly manufactured AC systems
- Lower global warming potential (GWP)
- Designed to meet updated environmental regulations
- Require equipment specifically designed for these refrigerants
If your system uses R-22, upgrading to a newer system is likely more cost-effective than continued repairs, especially given how hard South Florida's climate works your equipment.
Premium Comfort. Personal Care.
We're Committed to meticulous workmanship, respectful in-home care, and responsive support
-
Respect for Your Home, AlwaysFrom shoe covers to spotless work areas, we treat your space with the care it deserves.
-
Craftsmanship You Can TrustNATE-certified technicians delivering thoughtful, detail-driven work on every visit.
-
Attentive, Responsive ServiceClear communication, dependable arrival times, and solutions designed specifically for your home.
-
A Legacy of Excellence Since 1995Family-owned, award-recognized service built on lasting comfort and genuine care.
