R-22 vs. R-410A Refrigerant

If you’re thinking about upgrading the cooling system at your St. George, UT home, you need to get to know the difference between R-22 vs. R-410A refrigerant. Understanding the pros and cons of each refrigerant type can help you make the right decision for your needs. Read on to learn about these two very different refrigerants and the advantages of using each.

R-22 refrigerants

R-22 is more commonly referred to by its brand name, Freon®. Up until 2010, R-22 was the most common refrigerant in use in home cooling systems. However, environmental concerns have led to regulations regarding the use of R-22, since it contains hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HFCF), which has been shown to contribute to ozone depletion, a major contributor to global warming and climate change. If you have an older air conditioning system at your home, you’re probably running on R-22 refrigerant.

No air conditioning system lasts forever, so when you’re in need of professional repair, ask your technician to check which refrigerant you use. Since R-22 has been discontinued per government regulations, it can be tough to find the refrigerant if your system needs a recharge—it’s usually best to upgrade your system to conform to modern, eco-friendly standards.

R-410A refrigerants

R-410A is a newer refrigerant that’s much more environmentally friendly, and is commonly known by its brand name, Puron®. This refrigerant is a hydrofluorocarbon (HCF) that doesn’t have the ozone-depleting effects of R-22. R-410A is the new standard for residential air conditioners throughout the country. Before you invest in a new air conditioning system, be sure the new unit runs on R-410A to comply with modern regulations.

R-22 vs. R-410A

There’s a big difference in terms of performance when it comes to R-22 vs. R-410A refrigerants in St. George, UT. R-410A is much more efficient than its outdated counterpart, R-22. It does a better job of releasing heat, helping your compressor run at much lower temperatures and reducing the risk of overheating. Lubrication is much easier with R-410A systems, too. R-22 systems use mineral oil for lubrication, while R-410A models use synthetic oil. Synthetic oil is more soluble and keeps the unit running much better, reducing your energy costs and further improving the environmental benefits of upgrading to R-410A.

R-22 dry charging considerations

Although regulations outlaw the sale of new cooling systems with R-22 refrigerants, you can still buy something called a “dry charge” unit. It doesn’t come with any refrigerant; instead, you have to call a technician to fill the unit with R-22 refrigerant. Dry charge units are generally not recommended when you’re upgrading your cooling system. The supply of R-22 is dwindling, which means you’ll pay more for it as time goes by. It’s also just not good for the environment. It’s recommended to choose a modern R-410A cooling system instead.

Understanding the difference between R-22 vs. R-410A can help you make an informed choice about upgrading your cooling system in St. George, UT. In most cases, switching to R-410A is good for your home’s energy efficiency and for the environment. Contact Calaway Heating & Air Conditioning to learn more about the best cooling system upgrades for your needs.

Categorised in: R-410A Refrigerant

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