Definition
The chemical that cycles through your AC or heat pump, absorbing and releasing heat. Modern systems use R-410A or newer low-GWP blends.
Why this matters for your home
Refrigerant is the working fluid that cycles through your AC or heat pump, evaporating to absorb heat indoors and condensing to release it outside. It isn't consumed in normal operation, so a system that's low on refrigerant has a leak that needs to be found and repaired.
Most modern systems use R-410A, with newer low-GWP blends now phasing in industry-wide. Simply topping off a leaking system is a temporary fix that wastes money and harms the environment, so we locate and seal the leak rather than just recharging it.