Why Refrigerant Matters More Than You Think for AC (or Heat Pump) Efficiency - CleanTechnica

The article from CleanTechnica highlights the critical but often overlooked role of refrigerants in the efficiency, cost, and environmental impact of HVAC systems, including air conditioners and heat pumps. Refrigerants are essential chemical compounds that enable cooling and heating functions, yet many systems operate with improper refrigerant levels. A common issue is undercharging, where systems have less refrigerant than designed, sometimes by about 15 percent, which can occur even at installation due to improper adjustment for specific configurations like longer piping. This undercharging leads to reduced cooling performance and increased energy consumption. Over time, refrigerant leaks caused by aging equipment, corrosion, and vibrations further degrade system efficiency. Residential HVAC systems can lose 5–11 percent of their refrigerant annually, resulting in a significant drop in the coefficient of performance (COP). Even a 10 percent refrigerant loss can reduce system efficiency noticeably, increasing energy bills by $72–$144 during summer months. Larger losses above 20 percent cause steep performance declines and soaring