Did the Freon AC units of the 50s dry out air like modern ones do, and if so why?

Question

I read an article today that said that modern AC units require a dryer built into them as HFC refrigerants like R-134a absorb water, whereas old Freon AC units did not require a dryer. Does this mean that AC units from the 50s did not dry out the air like modern ones do?

In: Physics

Answer 1

The refrigerant doesn’t contact air. It’s in a fully sealed closed system. But like the helium balloon you bought 3 days ago, even a sealed container can leak.