Differences Between R-22 and R-410A

As of 2010, a common refrigerant used in air conditioning systems was phased out. The material, known as R-22, was often referred to by a brand name such as Freon®. It was also sometimes referred to as an HCFC (hydro-chlorofluorocarbon), which plays a role in the depletion of the Earth’s ozone.

In its place, manufacturers began using a substance called R-410A, sometimes called by a brand name such asPuron®. This material has been approved for use in new residential air conditioning systems, including our Multi-Zone Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioners.

There are some key performance differences between machines that use either of the two refrigerant substances. For example, since R-410A can absorb and give off more heat than its ozone-depleting counterpart, new air conditioning compressors can run at cooler temperatures, which helps to cut down on the possibility that a compressor could burn out due to overheating.

Also, R-410A operates at a higher degree of pressure than R-22, which helps the compressor to hold up better under stress. However, if R-410A were to replace R-22 in an older, pre-2010 unit, the pressure likely would be more than the unit could handle, ending in a bad result.

The two refrigerants also use different kinds of lubricating oil. The R-410A’s synthetic oil allows newer units to operate more efficiently than the mineral oil in R-22.

Although R-22 is now prohibited for use in new units, some companies have taken to producing so-called dry charge units, which don’t have the refrigerant installed at the place of manufacture. Instead, consumers have to hire a technician to come to their homes to install the R-22 refrigerant. While technically on the right side of the law, this practice isn’t a good one to follow as R-410A is clearly the wave of the future and supplies of R-22 will continue to diminish, driving up prices until they disappear altogether.

More questions about refrigerants? Contact AC World today!