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.
R22 is much better, not only is it almost just as efficient, it runs at a much lower pressure and it costed FAR less than R410a (about 100 times less) in it's heyday (less than $1 per pound).
Freon R22 also has poor energy efficiency compared to more recent hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants. The refrigerant is less efficient at transferring heat than newer chlorine-free refrigerants, which means the system uses more energy to achieve the same level of cooling.
Tube-side materials in R-410A coils need to be thicker due to the higher operating pressures associated with R-410A relative to R-22. We're not arguing that there's not a difference in operating pressure between the two. There is – roughly 130 PSI for R-410A evaporators compared to about 70 for R-22.
R-22 uses simple mineral oil, non-toxic, safe, stable, etc. while R-410a uses a somewhat exotic Poly o Ester (POE) oil typically found in jet turbine engines. The refrigerant used MUST match the oil present in the system, which is one reason why you can't replace the R-22 with R410a in a system.
Since R410A refrigerant is charged under higher pressure, charging an R22 system with it will increase the force within the coolant lines. 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.
Can I still get R-22 refrigerant? R-22 is no longer produced or imported into the United States, but it still exists inside some older HVAC units.
I think it is important to remember that R22 and r410a are made of the same chemicals just in different ratios. Though the oils are different, Mineral and Polyester are not going to contaminate each other. They will not mix but that does not cause a problem.
Connect R22 manifold gauge middle hose onto R22 refrigerant container. 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.
Understanding the Current HVAC Refrigerant Guidelines
Most HVAC brands have started to swap out their older AC and heat pump units over the year, preparing for the 2025 deadline, when they will have to completely stop the production of systems with R-410A.
How much will an R-22 to R-410A conversion cost? The actual cost will depend on many things, including where you live, but most of the time R-22 conversions start at around $2,000 and go up from there. The higher end of that range is somewhere around $4,500 to $4,600.
If your unit uses R-22, it's probably at least ten years old. The average lifespan for an air conditioner or heat pump is about 10-15 years, so it might be time to consider replacing your unit anyway. Older units generally have lower efficiency and a greater risk of breakdown.
Freon MO99 is the closest capacity match to R-22 compared with most other no-oil change refrigerants. What does this mean to my residents? Choosing an energy-efficient blend with a mass flow rate within 10 to 15% of R-22 helps reduce energy costs and shorten the system's downtime.
To retrofit an R-22 system with R-410A system your line set must not be more than 25-50 feet in total distance. If the line set is longer than this, you will have to replace the line set with larger lines.
The replacements for R-410A are the two A2Ls, Forane® R-32 and R-454B. Forane® R-32 can be used in new equipment designed specifically for mildly flammable refrigerants as a replacement for R-410A equipment. Its low density allows for the use of a smaller refrigerant charge.
The general guideline used when calculating the amount of Freon in a residential A/C unit is 2-4 pounds per ton of cooling.
Pure refrigerants like R22 can be added in liquid or vapor states. If adding liquid into the suction like, throttle it in slowly to avoid slugging the compressor or diluting and washing out the compressor oil. After the charge has been set, avoid installing the gauges as part of regular service.
You cannot just switch refrigerants because R410-A and R-22 have different chemical properties. R410-A operates at a higher pressure. If you put R410-A into an R-22 system, the parts will rupture due to the increased force.
In fact, R410A can cool a room slightly faster with less energy. Efficient performance is a significant benefit of R410A. However, it works the same way as R22 in absorbing heat to provide cooling. But R410A doesn't make a room any colder than its predecessor.
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.
In 2010, the U.S. stopped the sale of new air conditioning units that use R22. That means new air conditioners in US manufactured after 2010 are prohibited from using R22 coolant. R22 phaseout in 2020 means that it's completely illegal to manufacture or import R22 into the country.
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.
So… what refrigerant can be mixed with R-22? None. You can't mix refrigerants.