The Top Difference R22 vs R410A Refrigerant?

The two types refrigerants are not interchangeable within a system,R-22 and R-410A which are also known as Freon and Puron respectively,There are some other very important differences between them.

What is Refrigerant Gas R22?

For a number of decades now, residential heat pumps as well as air conditioning systems have been using the R-22 refrigerants to facilitate the cooling or heating of their homes. R-22 is a type of hydrochlorofluorocarbon which if leaked into the atmosphere, causes depletion of the ozone layer. R-22 is also a greenhouse gas which releases HFC-23 as a byproduct which in itself contributes immensely to global warming.

Phasing Out of Refrigerant Gas R22

When cooling systems start leaking, the chlorine contained in R-22 escapes into the atmosphere and depletes the environment. It is because of these damaging effects that is why it is being phased out. The United States government in conjunction with others around the globe has adopted an accelerated phase out program to rid the market of the R-22 refrigerants. In 2010, newly installed cooling systems were legally restricted from using the R-22 refrigerant. The projection is that by 2020, all R-22 refrigerants will have exited the market. Currently, R-22 is used on the existing systems.

Refrigerant Gas R22 Properties

R-22 is often referred to as Freon, which is actually one of the top brands. R-22 is no longer used for installing new ac systems as it was discontinued in 2010 due to it being a hydro-chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC). It has been shown to contribute to ozone depletion. Therefore, most likely if you have a new system, you will not use R22 or Freon; however, when doing ac repair to older systems, you should check what you use. One thing to note about R-22 is that in addition to its damage to the environment, because it is discontinued, supplies are limited.

The R-22 Replacement

Scientific studies conducted over a long period of time successfully led to the development of an alternative to the R-22 refrigerant. The new refrigerant which is fitted in new HVAC models is known as R410A.

Refrigerant Gas R-410A Properties

R-410A is often referred to as Puron, the main brand name associated with this type of refrigerant. It is a hydro-fluorocarbon (HFC) which does not hurt the ozone layer. Therefore, it is approved for new residential air conditioners and is on its way to becoming the standard in the U.S. by 2015. Most new air conditioning units automatically use R-410A, although you should still check before making the final purchase. If you have a relatively new unit that is older than 2010, you should check to see whether it uses R-22 or R-410A.

Difference in Performance

R-410A is not only better for the ozone layer; it also provides a better overall operation. It absorbs and releases the heat better than R-22, making your compressor run cooler so that it does not overheat. Additionally, it can work at a higher pressure, so the compressors in the units are built to handle greater stresses and will not crack as easily. Systems that use R-410A also use synthetic oil for lubrication, rather than mineral oil like in R-22 systems. The synthetic oil is more soluble, making the whole system more efficient. Therefore, R-410A works better than R-22 and has more efficient systems.

Advantages of Using R410A Refrigerant

There are various merits that come with R410A refrigerant making it a worthwhile investment particularly in new systems. Some of these unique features include:

• Ozone Friendly – Unlike R-22, R410A is formulated using scientifically proven approaches which limit its toxicity. It contains fluorine which does not contribute to ozone layer depletion.
• Superior Heat Transfer – The ability of a refrigerant to allow for ease in heat transfer is one of the factors when choosing HVAC equipments. R410A optimizes heat transfer making cooling and heating much more efficient.
• Non-Flammable – The role played by a refrigerant in the cooling system makes it susceptible to fires. This is because it is a carrier of all the heat within the system. R410A is non-flammable and is unlikely to cause fires.
• Non Corrosive – Corrosive nature of refrigerants make them to wear down the coils through which the refrigerant is carried. This corrosion weakens your equipment therefore making it vulnerable to breakdowns. R410A does not corrode the system.
• Flexibility – Whether you put the R410A refrigerant in brass, copper or steel systems, it will function perfectly well. This shows how flexible the refrigerant is and the options it can give you.

The Way Forward

As the world becomes more sensitive to global warming and ozone depletion, Refrigerant R410A is the best choice of Refrigerants