Can I use the same copper piping when replacing my AC unit with R410 to R32 refrigerant?

Author: Hans Rath  |  Last update: Thursday, July 17, 2025

In most cases, you cannot re-use piping and cable from existing air-conditioning units for any new units you are having installed. This is because different systems use different piping and have their own specific electrical requirements.

Can you use R410A pipework with R32?

Can a R32 system be charged with R410A or vice versa? Daikin The simple answer is no. The operating characteristics of both refrigerants are different and the systems have been designed accordingly.

Can we use old copper pipe for new AC?

It should be very clear at this stage that although everybody would like to save as much money as possible, it is not advised, since the old pipes would have bent and cut and gas welded during installation and again during removal, and also due to metal fatigue for lying in the open for years after these years, advised ...

Can you replace 410a with R32?

R32 is not suitable as a drop-in replacement for R410A and must only be used in systems specifically designed for R32.

Can you reuse R22 line set for R410A?

So what the manufacturer recommends, the best option, is if you're going to go from an R22 unit to an R410 unit, that you should have your line set replaced at the same time. So everything is new. There's no contamination, there's no possibility of contamination.

Can You Put R32 in 410 Systems? What Will Happen?

Can I use the same copper piping when replacing my AC unit with R-410A to R32 refrigerant?

If the refrigerant used for the existing unit is other than R22, R407C and R410A, the existing refrigerant piping cannot be used. If the existing unit has another use than air conditioning, then existing refrigerant piping cannot be used.

Do you have to flush R-22 lines for 410A?

When you replace an air conditioner or heat pump and upgrade from R-22 to R-410A, the ideal solution is to replace your refrigerant lines. This is because the mineral oil used in R-22 systems is not compatible with the new R-410A refrigerant and oil.

Why is R32 refrigerant banned?

Changes to the Dangerous Goods Legislation, effective in 2021, has new categories for A2L refrigerants. R32 is a synthetic greenhouse gas. If released to the atmosphere it can contribute to climate change. R32 is a flammable refrigerant.

Can R32 use R22 piping?

To install a system that utilises R32 refrigerant, dedicated tools and piping that have been manufactured specifically for R32(R410A) should be used. The pressure of R32 refrigerant is approximately 1.6 times higher than R22.

How long will R410A be available?

R-410A PHASE-DOWN TIMELINE

We will reach a 70% decrease by 2029. In 2034, we will see 80% less R-410A being produced than it is today, and the phase-down will end in 2036 with another 5% reduction.

Is it OK to use old copper pipe?

Over time, old pipes can corrode and introduce contaminants into your water supply. By replacing your pipes, you can ensure that your water is clean, safe, and free from impurities.

Do you have to replace the line set when replacing an AC unit?

When replacing an air conditioner, it's important to look at the manufacturer's specification for the line set size. If your old AC used a line set that's the same size as the one the new unit calls for, then you're good. You don't have to replace it with a new one. Unless, for course, there's something wrong with it.

Can you reuse AC lines?

If your existing line set meets manufacturer specifications for the new HVAC system, you can usually reuse it.

What are the disadvantages of R32 refrigerant?

Disadvantages:Different from R22 and R410A, the R32 is slightly flammable. But combustion will not occur unless three critical conditions are met, refrigerant concentration, constant oxygen, and an ignition source. In real practice, it's hard to meet all the combustion conditions.

What type of copper pipe is used for refrigerant?

In refrigeration and air conditioning work, the copper tubing that is most commonly used is Type L copper tubing. Type L copper tubing is a thick-walled, high-pressure-rated copper tubing that is ideal for refrigeration and air conditioning applications.

Do I need a new vacuum pump for R32?

You will of course need to ensure that any equipment you use includes an R32 compliant recovery unit, an R32 specific vacuum pump, a torque wrench set to the manufacturer's recommendations on your flare joints and for pipework, stick to material that is R410A rated, as this also suitable for R32.

Can I use the same copper piping when replacing my AC unit with R410A to R32 refrigerant?

In most cases, you cannot re-use piping and cable from existing air-conditioning units for any new units you are having installed. This is because different systems use different piping and have their own specific electrical requirements.

Is R410A pipe compatible with R32?

Can I convert an existing R410A system to R32? No. R32 is not suitable as a drop-in replacement for R410A and must only be used in systems specifically designed for R32.

Can I change R410A to R32?

Please note that it is not possible to transition an R410A refrigerant unit to an R32 unit. Refrigerants should only be handled by trained, qualified technicians. These experts can assist you in finding an R32-capable system.

Is R32 Freon legal in the US?

Regulatory - There are no published regulations or granted EPA petitions that state R-32 will be prohibited in the U.S. after 2029. In fact, R-32 is a single component refrigerant, while R-454B is a blend that consists of nearly 70% R-32.

What can I replace R32 with?

If a system redesign is necessary, R32 is a good choice with a good $/TR or €/kW ratio. However, for applications that are already very energy efficient, a simple drop-in using R452B or R454B will minimize system redesign costs—enabling late-line customization in some cases.

Is R32 toxic to humans?

In general speak, Class A refrigerants are called non toxic and Class B are called toxic. Compared to all other Class A (Lower Toxicity) refrigerants such as R22, R410A, R134a, R290 (Propane) and R600a (Isobutane), R32 has the highest (safest) Acute Toxicity Exposure Limit (ATEL) of 220,000 ppm.

Should a suction trap be installed on a 410A system?

When an HVAC system uses POE (Polyolester) oil, which is typical of current R410a systems, suction oil traps are not required* because POE is miscible in R410a in all phases (liquid, saturated liquid and vapor).

What happens if you put a little R-22 in a 410A system?

The pressure can become high enough for parts of the system to rupture. At the very least, leaks will occur. Mixing refrigerants is not an option either. This will contaminate the system, and the R22 will not evaporate under the higher suction pressure that R410A requires.

Do you have to turn R-22 upside down?

Flip R22 container upright and open the valve. Watch left and right gauges to see when pressure equalizes. Left-hand gauge should read below 60psi. Open left-hand gauge handle briefly to drop pressure.

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