Inside air conditioning systems is liquid/gas refrigerant. There are two types of this refrigerant available for use, R-22 (more commonly known as Freon), and a newer alternative R-410A.

An air conditioning system does not consume refrigerant, but reuses it. As long as there are no leaks in the refrigerant circuit, there is no need to ever add more refrigerant to an air conditioning system.

Although R-22 is an effective refrigerant, if it is released into the atmosphere it can contribute to the depletion of the Earth’s ozone layer. The EPA has mandated the phasing out the use of R-22. It is being replaced by R-410A.

As of 2010, manufacturer's are required to make all new air conditioners with R-410A. However, R-22 is still available for sale in existing pre-2010-manufactured equipment, and for use in servicing existing R-22 equipment. By 2020, R-22 will no longer be manufactured, but will still be recycled and available for sale.

Reciprocating compressors use a piston to compress the refrigerant.

Rotary compressors utilize a roller rotating eccentrically inside a cylinder and a spring mounted blade always rubbing against the roller. As the eccentric rotates towards the blade, the space is decreased and the refrigerant is compressed. Rotary compressors are very efficient.

Scroll compressors consists of 2 scrolls to pressurize refrigerant. Often 1 scroll is fixed and the other orbits eccentrically compressing the gas between the scrolls. Scroll compressors are quiet, smooth and offer highest efficiency ratio of all compressor types.

Scroll Ultratech™ compressors are advanced scroll compressors which offer more features and better diagnostics.