R-22 has been used as the “standard” refrigerant for many years, but has been found to be harmful to our planet by our government. The EPA has established the phase out of the old HCFC R-22 refrigerant with no production or importation beginning in 2020.  Manufacturers of air conditioning equipment must phase out the use of HCFC R-22 in new equipment by January 1, 2010.  Many manufacturers have already started this process and are building specially designed systems that utilize the new R410-A (R-410A is an azeotropic mixture presently offered under different trade names by various refrigerant manufacturers.)

The newly designed R-410A systems employ thicker walled tubing, newly developed compressors and components, and a higher grade oil that requires diverse installation and service procedures.  Prices for the old R-22 will gradually go up as the next few years go by but should not be outrageous for a long time. What it really boils down to is that if you install a new R-22 air conditioning system in the year 2004 you will be able to get refrigerant for your system at least until the year 2020. You need to be aware that when a system is changed over to R-410A we will need to change the condenser (outdoor unit), the evaporator coil and the refrigerant copper line set in most cases. If you want to learn more about R-410A we have included some highly informational links for you to take a look at:

http://www.puron.com
http://410a.com/about/
http://www.bacharach-training.com/norm/410.htm

Refrigerants FAQ's

What is the purpose of new refrigerants?
In 1987 at an international meeting known as the Montreal Protocol, new regulations concerning chemicals with ozone depleting properties were adopted by participating nations.  As a result the existing refrigerant (R-22) used currently in residential and light commercial air conditioning systems was targeted as an ozone depleter due to the chlorine molecules it contains.  Because of this fact it is one of the many chemicals scheduled for eventual phase out by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).   The new R-410A is a mixture (blend) of refrigerants that create near identical properties of R-22, but are free of ozone depleting chlorine molecules. (50% R-32 and 50% R-125

How does effect my buying decision?
Most manufacturers are on board with at least one R-410A line of equipment in their inventory, and some have aggressive plans for complete phase out of their R-22 products well before the 2010 deadline. With some test units having been installed and operating for nearly 10 years, manufacturers are fully confident that R-410A products will be every bit as reliable as the R-22 products have proven to be. Some products have experienced a side benefit of up to one full point higher SEER rating with the use of R-410A. Consumers buying air conditioning equipment today should be confident as well. Because both indoor and outdoor components must be replaced when converting to R-410A, consumers should now more than ever plan and schedule their purchase carefully to avoid down time or inconvenience.

Cost
Currently R-410A refrigerant is more expensive than R-22. It is expected once factories are re-tooled to produce R-410A equipment to meet the demand; our government will begin to tax the use of R-22 out of existence. This scenario has already played out with other refrigerants.

Compatibility
R-410A and R-22 equipment cannot be cross matched. That is, if an R-410A condenser or heat pump is installed, the indoor coil must be equipped with a R-410A metering device.

Installation and service
Installation and service technicians must be certified and trained to install and service R-410A equipment. Higher operating pressures require special gauge manifold sets and hoses, as well as compatible leak detection and reclaim equipment. Deep vacuum and R-410A specific driers are critical to the long term performance of the equipment. The synthetic polyol ester oil (POE) used in these units is extremely hygroscopic (absorbs water easily). Proper evacuation to 500 microns is essential.

Will my existing unit work with R-410A?
The operating pressure of R-410A is 50-70% higher than R-22. This requires not only a specially designed compressor and metering device, but also thicker walls on refrigerant tubing for safety. Therefore, R-410A may only be used in equipment specifically designed for the new refrigerant.

Does servicing a R-410A unit differ from R-22 units?
The following service changes apply:

1. Special equipment such as gauge manifold sets and hoses and compatible leak detection and reclamation equipment is required for the installation and service of R-410A systems.

2. Vacuuming R-410A systems and the installation of R-410A specific driers is critical to long term performance of the R-410A equipment. The synthetic polyol ester oil (POE) is extremely hygroscopic (absorbs water easily), and evacuation to 500 microns is essential.

3. Removal of any suction line filter is imperative is imperative after 72 hours of run time. The POE will break down drier desiccants and the resulting sludge will permeate the system. Manufacturers will eventually void warranties returned compressors which contain such sludge.

4. Replacement of failed parts must be done with like components rated for higher pressures (IE pressure control metering device).

5. Pink is the industry designated color for R-410A. Comparable operating pressures for like results at a 90 degree ambient are as follows:

Refrigerant Pressure: R-22=78-250;  R-410A=140-400

Low pressure cut out setting is 50PSI

High pressure cut out setting is 610 PSI

Who has R-410A equipment?
All manufacturers are on board with at least one line of R-410A equipment.

For expert advice on equipment using R-410A refrigerant please email us or call us at 614-476-1732 and one of our professional technicians will be glad to answer your questions.