The big debate in the HVACR industry right now is which refrigerant(s) will be chosen to replace R-410A in many types of comfort cooling equipment. R22 refrigerant and its HFC replacement R410A are totally incompatible. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. (See Reference 2). What Are Some Ways to Lower the Use of CFCs and HCFCs? R410a uses ester oil lubricants. At some future point, though, system owners will find it more cost-effective to replace an old, breakdown-prone R-22 system with a new R-410A HVAC system. Replacing the AC evaporator coil costs $700 to $2,300. What Are the Effects of Overusing Energy? If the line set is longer than this, you will have to replace … Sometimes the copper lines connecting the components also must be replaced, but it may be possible to clean, flush and dry the lines if they can handle the higher pressures of R-410A. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. If you have a relatively recent R-22 HVAC system that is running fine, you don’t have to switch immediately. And, safe disposal of refrigerants regulated by the EPA is mandatory. The answer: No. R410A is a higher pressure system and R22 is a lower pressure system. R22 refrigerant is also known as Freon. The metering device would be the wrong size also. If a system has R22 in it already you cannot use a replacement refrigerant to simply add to the R22. But even if it’s possible to retrofit your unit to accommodate an R22 Freon substitute like R410a (or another acceptable alternative refrigerant), it may not make sense to retrofit a system that is already ten or more years old. The replacement for R22 is R410A. If the R-410A lubricant encounters traces of the R-22 lubricant, it will break down and lose lubricating ability. R-410A requires a polyester-based synthetic lubricant, while R-22 needs natural petroleum-based oil. For a full description of the new approved refrigerants click here. No, you cannot. Once the system is dry and tight, the technician can charge the system with R-410A. Also online, in a search of putting R407 in a R22 system, a result popped up saying it is illegal to do and has heavy fines. Call a service technician to ensure your unit is operating safely. You can also choose from machinery repair shops, home use r410a replace r22, as well as from 1 year, unavailable r410a replace r22, and whether r410a replace r22 is free spare parts, or online support. R438A is marketed by DuPont as ISCEON MO99, though there are other brands out there. Click to see full answer. To retrofit an R-22 system with R-410A system your line set must not be more than 25-50 feet in total distance. R22 and R410a compressors with similar capacity comparisonNote: the 410a compressor is actually 44k btus not 42k Converting an R-22 HVAC system to R-410A is a major undertaking and is not a do-it-yourself project. Faced with the rising costs of R22 air conditioner repairs, the decline of available refrigerant supply, and the increase in price of refrigerant, deciding what to do with your system can be a complicated choice. (See Resource 2). They are both good refrigerants and they both work, but they have to be charged in the system at different pressures. C1) Replacing an R22 compressor with a R404A/R507 or R407C (“C” or “Z” denoted in the com-pressor model number) compressor: Use generally accepted system change-out procedures, taking special effort not to leave the system or the R404A/R507 / R407C compressor open to the atmosphere for more than a few minutes (10 minutes maximum). Repair leaks when they appear and replace the system with a R410A system by 2020. After the new R-410A mechanical components are installed and all line connections brazed, the installer must connect a vacuum pump to the system, draw it down to a vacuum of 500 microns, and hold it there for several hours, sucking out any traces of water vapor that boil out of the system in this hard vacuum. So let’s see what is the replacement for R22 refrigerant which can be used with the air conditioning compressor and with flooded evaporators. An original R22 wall-mounted room AC with a cooling capacity of 2.4 kW and energy efficiency ratio (EER) of 3.2 was retrofitted with a compressor of a 20% larger displacement to charge R290 and R1270 for performance experiments. If not, it may be time to switch to the preferred R410 system. By replacing your old R22 unit with a new R-421A unit, you can keep your indoor units instead of buying an entirely new system. My contractor is trying to convince me to replace the compressor inside my 13 year old Goodman unit that uses R22. Before the clock runs out, turn to Petro Home Services for R22 replacement services and answers to all your questions about air conditioning systems. In this video I discuss changing line sets during an r410a install. The recent tech said that they can just replace the compressor and drop R407 in it instead and keep everything else the same (coils, evaporator, fan, board etc). Repair leaks when they appear and replace the system with a R410A system by 2020. It is possible to reuse the copper tubing lineset between the two, but we will discuss that later. Puron is more cost-effective and energy-efficient than Freon systems. All Quality Heating, Air and Refrigeration: Current Freon Law. Countries around the globe are already phasing down HFCs, and various states in the U.S. are passing legislation that would also minimize the use of these high-GWP refrigerants. In 2004, the Environmental Protection Agency began phasing out R22 air conditioning refrigerant. 1. The shell of an R22 compressor is not made thick enough to use R410A. R22, commonly known as Freon, was the HVAC coolant of choice for about four decades until the 1980s, when it was found to be a chlorofluorocarbon that contributed to ozone depletion. That’s because the retrofit requires a nearly complete overhaul of the unit. We’re here to help you make the best, most educated choice for your home.You have choices: 1. On the AC side everything really needs to be changed R22 uses mineral oil based lubricants. Check the condition and capacity of your air conditioning units. It is possible to reuse the copper tubing lineset between the two, but we will discuss that later. And by 2030, the possession of R22 will be prohibited and protocol experts expect that 100 percent of freon will be phased out. The characteristics of R410A allow using a smaller displacement compressor, less coil and reduced Is It Really Worth Replacing an Insulated Water Heater with a Tankless Water Heater? Recharge 2. ... (R22) or Puron (R410A). R-410A’s Replacement? HVAC equipment producers can manufacture R-22 HVAC repair parts as long as they are sold “dry,” without the refrigerant. Converting an R-22 system to R-410A is like converting a diesel engine to run on gasoline; it can’t be done without making major changes to the entire system. In 1987, the Montreal Protocol, signed by the United States, set a timeline for the elimination of R22 systems and conversion to more environmentally sensitive systems fueled by R410A. Dan Harkins has been a full-time journalist since 1997. R22 refrigerant and its HFC replacement R410A are totally incompatible. Because R410A operates at a different pressure than R22, you need to replace … It is not acceptable to substitute R410A, which operates at different pressure levels than that of an R22, without major changes and engineering analysis. With r410a units, the … Such devices are installed in the warehouse without the refrigerant. Familiarize yourself with the protocol's objectives, to help the country achieve them and avoid EPA sanctions. These products have very different heat-transfer properties and use chemically incompatible lubricating oils. As of 2012, the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) industry is in the process of changing over from ozone-depleting R-22 refrigerant to environmentally-friendlier R-410A refrigerant. One of these refrigerants, HFC-32 (R-32), is a front runner for an alternative for R-410A. Your existing condensing unit and cooling coil are not suited to the new higher pressure refrigerant. The compressor will need to be changed and the TXV / orifice will need to be changed. Click to see full answer. How to Reduce Nitrates in Hydroponic Lettuce, How to Keep Algae From Growing in an Air Conditioner Condensation Line, RSES Journal: Exploring the Differences Between R-410A and R-22, How to Change From R22 to R410A AC Units Rules & the Requirements. It has a very low loss in capacity (0 – 5%) relative to R-22 and is less expensive than many other R-22 replacement refrigerants. Refill your refrigerant properly, which must be approved by the EPA (confirmation on the canister). From 2020, R22 will no longer be available to refill your system. For owners of older R22 units who prefer to retrofit rather than replace their system, R438A is an HFC replacement which behaves similarly enough to R22 to use the same metering devices. Prior to working in the alternative press, he served as a staff writer and editor for daily publications such as the "St. Petersburg Times" and "Elyria Chronicle-Telegram." Performance of R407C was the most comparable to that of R22, followed by R410A . The cost sounds astronomical with 10lb of R22 being required, though that is only 25% of the total quote. R410a Vs. R22. For instance, R-410A builds up system pressure on the high-pressure side that is 50 percent greater than R-22, putting overwhelming strain on the compressor, lines and seals. California has been the leader of this movement, proposing a GWP … The polyethylene-based lubricating oil breaks down in the presence of water. A tech could do a poor job of installing the R22 condenser and the unit would last for 10 years or more. If we follow a condition of 45°/130°, highlighted in yellow, we find that at this given system condition, this compressor is expected to produce 25,200 btu/hr. From 2020, R22 will no longer be available to refill your system. Jun. Herb Kirchhoff has more than three decades of hands-on experience as an avid garden hobbyist and home handyman. 4 A proper retrofit requires extensive experience and expertise. Now to be fair, you could technically “retrofit” an R-22 unit to accommodate R-410A refrigerant but that would include: Replacing the condenser, compressor, evaporator and refrigerant lines. Call 888.735.5651 to learn more about your R22 refrigerant replacement options. The old R22 compressors were not so picky. It seems that its no longer possible to replace the whole unit because it is R22. The value of global warming potential of R410A is higher than that of R22 but the ozone depletion potential is zero. To make a short story long, R410A and R22 are refrigerants. Converting an existing A/C system to use R410A is a time-consuming and expensive task, costing $2,000 or more. R22 refrigerant and its HFC replacement R410A are totally incompatible. The extensive system changes are required because R-22 and R-410A refrigerants are not interchangeable and cannot be mixed in the same HVAC system. HVAC units that use more than 2,000 lbs. 29, 2018. Will Hydraulic Fluid Spilled on Lawn Kill It? Make sure you don't require stricter controls. R22 AC Unit Replacements . Since retiring from the news business in 2008, Kirchhoff takes care of a 12-acre rural Michigan lakefront property and applies his experience to his vegetable and flower gardens and home repair and renovation projects. R22, a Therefore, R410a performs better than R22 and has improved machine performance. It is possible to reuse the copper tubing lineset between the two, but we will discuss that later. By 2020, all manufacturing will be banned and it anticipated that 99.5 percent of freon will be phased out. (See Reference 1) As of Jan. 1, 2010, R22 systems were no longer manufactured or sold in retail outlets; however, second-hand HVAC systems that use R22 are still available. According to the EPA, units manufactured before January 2010 can still be charged with R22, but the cost to do so is expected to rise dramatically as it's manufacture decreases. on any single unit, any leaks must be fixed within 30 days (some exemptions exist; see the EPA link in the References section). Earlier this year the Environmental Protection Agency announced that they were approving five new refrigerants for use in various applications across the United States. What this means is that a system designed to use R-22 will fail quickly if filled with R-410A, and vice versa. By 2015, the United States has pledged to have removed 90 percent of freon from the American atmosphere. Replacing the AC compressor costs $1,000 to $2,500. Though the American conversion has been slower than in other countries, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is tasked with ensuring the protocol's timelines are met. Your existing condensing unit and cooling coil are not suited to the new higher pressure refrigerant. of R22 have to install an EPA-monitoring unit that instantly detects leaks. The manufacture and import of complete new HVAC systems using R-22 was banned in the U.S. in 2010, but parts for R-22 systems and the R-22 refrigerant itself remain available as of 2012 to HVAC contractors for repair work. An R22 AC replacement is the easiest, most affordable way to update your current split system to be more efficient and environmentally friendly and adhere to current regulations. This new type of refrigerant is what modern HVAC systems are designed to use. Despite the ban on R22 in new equipment, the difference between R22 and R410a is that other businesses have sought ways of using R22 in new systems by manufacturing dry charging devices. We have EPA-certified technicians on hand to discuss your needs and options, including R22 refrigerant draining. If the quantity of R22 is more than 50 lbs. In the case of HVAC systems, conversion requires replacing the R-22 compressor, evaporator and condenser with units designed to run with R-410A. What Causes a Lawn Mower Throttle to Stick in One Position? Please tell us why you want to convert your current R22 system to R410A. There is no reason to go to R410A, if your current R22 system is working ok. Another difference between the two refrigerants is that R410A is able to absorb more heat than R22 refrigerant. You can do your part by following the rules and converting to the right kind of air conditioning system. Contact a service technician to estimate how much a new R410A system will cost, compared to any R22 system repairs and the increasingly expensive cost of R22. How to Switch an HVAC System From R-22 to a R-410A. If you put R410A into an R22 system, then the compressor and other components could rupture – completely ruining the system. Getting all the residue out would cost a bunch and these can’t be mixed. The best replacement for R-22 Freon is usually R-407c. R-410A is the replacement for R22. Putting R-410A refrigerant into an AC unit that was designed to use R-22 will cause the unit to die soon after it tries to run. A crucial part of the conversion process is removing all moisture from the system and ensuring it is free of leaks before charging with the R-410A. In the case of HVAC systems, conversion requires replacing the R-22 compressor, evaporator and condenser with units designed to run with R-410A. Under U.S. regulations, chemical companies can continue to make R-22 for service needs until 2020, and may offer R-22 reclaimed from equipment until 2030. This enclosure will have to be rebuilt, or you may have to buy a new air handler that provides a greater airflow required by the new coil. R410A, commonly known as Puron, will be the replacement for Freon. R22 refrigerant and its HFC replacement R410A are totally incompatible. Leaks in the system make it impossible to hold the vacuum until they are found and fixed. R22 will become completely obsolete in the year 2030. The common advantage of R410A is it is less harmful influence on the environment than R22. It would probably blow apart. Freon production is now banned and supplies are limited, causing the cost of Freon to increase continuously. Oxygen and moisture contamination is the biggest killer of r410a compressors that we see today. Harkins holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of South Florida. A wide variety of r410a replace r22 options are available to you, such as none. It is known as Suva 410A, Puron, Genetron R410A, AZ-20, Forane 410A and EcoFluor R410. R410A is a more environmentally friendly refrigerant, but it is incompatible with systems built to use R22. Technicians and private owners removing a system are mandated to recycle any old R22 with a reclamation specialist. Your existing condensing unit and cooling coil are not suited to the new higher pressure refrigerant. Understanding that the nomenclature of this compressor is a ZP25K, an R-410A scroll compressor. Do you have an R22 air conditioner (one that uses the old R22 refrigerant that’s being phased out)? Your existing condensing unit and cooling coil are not suited to the new higher pressure refrigerant. If you purchased a system after 2010, chances are it uses R410A.R410A differs from R22 in a number of ways. If your R-22 unit breaks down with a refrigerant-related problem, you’ll be faced with the decision of replacing the equipment altogether or repairing the problem. R410A runs at a higher pressure than R22 does, so a system designed for R22 cannot use R410A.