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.
The bad news is that R-410A operates at a higher pressure than R-22. This means that systems built for R-22 can't handle being filled with R-410A instead. Therefore, air conditioners built before 2010 will need to be replaced by 2020.
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.
In the example of an R-410A packaged unit with a surrounding air temperature of 75°F, the pressure on both the high and low-pressure side of the system will be 217 PSIG. If a new R-410A refrigerant bottle had a surrounding air temperature of 75°F, the pressure inside the bottle would be 217 PSIG.
Suction pressure of an Air-Conditioner with R410A Refrigerants typically ranges between 115 Psig to 125 Psig when operated at an ambient temperature of 35 degC. The discharge pressure at this operating conditions hovers around 400 Psig.
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.
What is the primary safety concern when working with R-410A? HFC-410A operates as much higher pressures than most conventional refrigerants. Approximately 40% - 60% higher than R-22.
For a 410a refrigerant, the recommended superheat value is typically between 10°F and 12°F, while the ideal subcooling value ranges from 8°F to 12°F. However, these values can vary depending on the specific HVAC system and its requirements.
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.
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 you use R-22 in the same system as R-410a, the compressor is going to be trying to work two different fluids through the same coils as both refrigerants respond differently to different mechanical situations. As you might imagine, this isn't going to go well for your air conditioner or heat pump.
For R-22 refrigerant, suction pressure is usually between 60 to 70 PSI, and discharge pressure is around 250 to 300 PSI.
The chief drawback of R-410A is its Global Warming Potential. While the Montreal Protocol sought to eliminate substances with the potential to deplete the ozone layer, most refrigerants developed in response to the treaty are not altogether environmentally unharmful.
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.
Temperature glide is a range of temperatures in which NARMs evaporate and condense. Temperature glide depends on the system design and blend makeup. Temperature glide can range from 0.2º to 16º F. Temperature glide for R-410A is less than 0.3º F over air conditioning and refrigerating operating ranges.
The pressure all depends on the indoor and outdoor conditions. 410a will typically be around 120psi to 140 psi on the low side (blue line) while the system is running in cool. The high side (red line) is the more accurate way to charge, but you would need to know the high side line temp to do so properly.
The important thing to notice is if your air conditioner suddenly starts making odd noises, such as squealing loudly. This may be caused by a system that is having trouble dealing with the abundance of high-pressure liquid refrigerant.
In December 2022, the EPA unveiled a refrigerant ban that will go into effect between 2025 and 2026 (depending on the industry). The result? R-410A is out, shaking up the HVACR industry, which relies heavily on this refrigerant.
The lifespan of R410A refrigerant is typically 10-15 years, depending on its usage and maintenance. Proper installation and maintenance can extend the life of the refrigerant significantly, while improper use or lack of maintenance can significantly decrease its lifespan.
You can't mix refrigerants.
R-410A must be charged as a liquid. Refer to the instructions printed on your refrigerant cylinder to verify that the cylinder is oriented properly for charging. Charging as a gas may result in refrigerant separation and improper unit operation.
An overcharged system will struggle to heat properly and can cause serious damage to the compressor. It's difficult to diagnose an overcharged system, but common signs are a lack of cool air, changes in noise, and higher energy bills after refrigerant changes.