How Are R22 and R410A Refrigerants Different?
The refrigerant used in your air conditioning system is very important. If you have an old system, it may run on R22, while newer ones use R410A. This switch occurred because significant problems were created by R22, and the government mandated its phaseout.
R22 and Why It Was Phased Out
R22, often called Freon, was discontinued in 2010 because it’s a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC). HCFC contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer. It’s also highly caustic, and it causes local environmental damage when it leaks. As of 2020, it can no longer get produced.
If you have an air conditioner that uses R22 and it leaks, you will probably need to upgrade to a system that uses R410A. As production of this refrigerant is slowing, there’s a limited supply. It’s now considerably expensive and sometimes impossible to get.
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R410A Benefits
R410A is a much better refrigerant than R22. Additionally known as Puron, it doesn’t harm the ozone layer. It’s considerably more efficient than R22 since it absorbs and releases heat more efficiently. It also has better temperature-changing abilities to cool your house more quickly than R22. If your air conditioner leaks, R410A is much less expensive than R22.
Can My Old Air Conditioner Be Retrofitted?
An air conditioner that uses R22 cannot get used with R410A. R410A operates at a much higher pressure than a condenser designed for R22 can provide. If you were to put R410A in an air conditioner system designed for R22, it would quickly fail and become unsalvageable. As a result, you may qualify for tax credits when upgrading to a new air conditioner.
At Advanced Comfort Solutions in Cheyenne, WY, we repair, replace, and tune up furnaces, air conditioners, packaged systems, and heat pumps. We can also help you with indoor air quality, duct cleaning, sheet metal fabrication, ductless mini-splits, tankless water heaters, and whole-house fans. Get in touch today to find out more.
Tags: AC Tips