Does the new refrigerant make air conditioner run rough?

[stuckmotor]

I put in a new window unit yesterday and found a big warning label that the refrigerant is flammable and explosive. The way the air conditioned runs reminds me of my dad's 1962 Fairlane when he shifted into 3rd too soon. Will someone please tell me whether this is a characteristic of the new refrigerant or did I get a lemon?

 

[oosik]

My refrigerator is new enough that it has the new type of refrigerant. It runs OK.

However - about twenty years ago I put a window AC unit in our bedroom window. It roared like a freight train, made gurgling noises, shook like 007's martini...... after three months of getting little sleep - it went out to the landfill.

It's better to sweat & sleep than to not sleep at all........

 

[stuckmotor]

My wife says she's satisfied with it so I probably won't try to return it. We have a larger, older, air conditioner in another window that hardly vibrates at all.

 

[RNeumann]

Excessive vibration is not normal- this has nothing to do with the refrigerant.

 

[BHD]

I would doubt if it is the refrigerant, if the unit was designed properly and the components are working correctly, it should run smooth, one may be able to hear the refrigerant at times when the compressor shuts down as it equalizes between the high and low sides, of the cooling circuit,

and most likely the refrigerant is or has some hydrocarbon refrigerant in it, (it is my understanding most of the world uses hydrocarbon refrigerants), a mixture of propane and butane will be nearly identical to the R12, propane is nearly identical to R 22, propane is called R600 when used as a refrigerant,

the hydrocarbon refrigerants run just a smooth as the other refrigerants, and most of time with more efficiency and can move more heat, all a refrigerant is a gas that can be compressed in to a liquid, some at lesser pressures and some at greater pressures, which usually make them better for various temperatures ranges.

a hydrocarbon refrigerant is not dangerous as long as there is no oxygen present in the system, hydrocarbons are or were used for pressurized spray cans, no one seem concerned to have a can of flammable substance on the shelf, a gas tank full of 20 gallons of gasoline in there car, and people do ont get excited with there gas piping to the furnace or hot water heater,

yes if a massive leak occurs and flame is present, it could add to the flame, but most leaks in a refrigerant system is a slow pin hole leak that in most instances the leakage is such that to obtain an explosive mix with air is very unlikely,

 

[AWSubie]

Take the cover off and check to see if an isolator mount is broken or not secured correctly.

 

[Deere Dude]

It should run smooth. Take it back if you can't find anything obviously wrong quickly.

 

[stuckmotor]

Thanks to everyone for your replies. I'm all for returning the unit too and was all set to do just that when I posted but there are four things I haven't mentioned:

1. My wife and I have been married 45 years today.
2. The air conditioner is in the window of her bedroom. Yes, we sleep in separate rooms. That's one reason we're still married after 45 years.
3. I gave Mrs. Stuck the air conditioner as an anniversary present. Aren't I romantic?
4. After posting I asked Mrs. Stuck if she was satisfied with the air conditioner. She was and even sounded delighted.
5. SHE, has spoken.

 

[hawkeye08]

I have been married 37 years (7/10), sleep in same room. I noticed the period after spoken in the above post and understand the conversation is now over.. Congrats on 45 years!

 

[oosik]

My wife & I were married 47 years. My most sincere congratulations to both you and your wife. THAT is a monumental accomplishment.

And BTW - glad to hear she is delighted with the new AC.