Freon
Why we need 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).
Phase Out Schedule
The phase out of the Production of new R-22 Refrigerant will begin in year 2004. The level of new R-22 refrigerant manufacturers will be allowed to produce will be gradually reduced until all production of new refrigerant R-22 is stopped in year 2020. After year 2020, manufacturers will only be allowed to recycle existing refrigerant to meet future demand.
The New Refrigerant
The new refrigerant R-410A has surfaced as the preferred replacement by most manufacturers of air conditioning equipment. It is also marketed under the brand name Puron. It is easily distinguishable in its pink container as opposed to the R-22 green container.
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 a 410A condenser or heat pump is installed, the indoor coil must be equipped with a 410A metering device.
How This Affects My Buying Decision
Most manufacturers are on board with at least one 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 the 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 1 full point higher SEER rating with the use of 410A. Consumers buying air conditioning equipment today should be confident as well. Because both indoor and outdoor components must be replaced when converting to 410A, consumers should now more than ever plan and schedule their purchase carefully to avoid down time or inconvenience.
Installation and Service
Installation and service technicians must be certified and trained to install and service 410A equipment. Higher operating pressures require special gauge manifold sets and hoses, as well as compatible leak detection and reclaim equipment. Deep vacuum and 410A specific driers are critical to the long term performance of the equipment. The synthetic poly-ester oil (POE) used in these units is extremely hygroscopic (absorbs water easily). Proper evacuation to 500 microns is essential. Consumers should ask to see technicians' certification to insure the proper level of training.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is R-410A?
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).
Why do we need it?
R-410A was developed to replace the ozone depleting R-22 refrigerant now used in most residential and some commercial air conditioning equipment. Phase out schedules for R-22 were established at the 1987 Montreal Protocol and will presently begin in the year 2004 and continue through 2030. It is rumored that the phase out date is likely to be accelerated, but no documented order currently exists.
Will my existing unit work with 410A?
The operating pressure of R-410 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 410A unit differ from R-22?
The following service changes apply:
- 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.
- Vacuuming R-410A systems and the installation of 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.
- Removal of any suction line filter is imperative after 72 hours of run time. The POE will break down drier dessicants and the resulting sludge will permeate the system. Manufacturers will eventually void warranties on returned compressors which contain such sludge.
- Replacement of failed parts must be done with like components rated for higher pressures (IE pressure control metering device).
- 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 610PSI
Who has R-410A equipment?
All manufacturers are on board with at least one line of R-410A equipment.