Why is Freon Dangerous to the Environment?

Freon is fluorocarbon refrigerant widely used in the cooling industry. Usually, we can find it in refrigerators and HVAC systems. It helps with cooling our food, keeping it fresh, and also cooling the air. Contrary to the belief that HVAC is just pumping hot air out and cooler air in, it recycles the air making it cool.

Speaking chemistry language, Freon is colorless, odorless, nonflammable gas. Contained in cooling devices doesn’t represent any danger but, should it leaks can be a potential danger for the environment.

Why is Freon a threat to the environment?

Freon contains chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), harmful ozone-depleting substances. Once they are released into the atmosphere, they can severely damage the ozone layer making the ozone hole even bigger. As we all are well aware, the ozone layer is our planet’s natural protection from harmful ultraviolet suns radiation. To preserve it, we should take all precautionary measures to stop depletion.

What can we do to prevent refrigerant leakage?

1. Have your HVAC system regularly cleaned, at least twice a year
2. Ask your technician for a video camera inspection, check out every bit of air ducts and pipes to make sure there is no leakage.
3. Change your refrigerant regularly. Freon can be safely removed and contained from an HVAC system, so it doesn’t get into the environment.
4. Change your filters regularly. You can do it on your own, or you can call your local HVAC technician to do it for you.