At the 27.8 °C (82.0 °F) rating point, the R410A system capacity was approximately 2 % greater than that of the R22 system. As the outdoor temperature increased, the capacity of the R410A system decreased more rapidly than the R22 system capacity, and at the 54.4 °C (130.0 °F) test point was 9 % below the R22 value.
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.
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.
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.
Starting in 2023, new HVAC systems will no longer use R-410A. These systems will also be subject to new energy efficiency standards.
Cooling systems shifting from R-410a to newer refrigerants like R-454B refrigerant and R-32 refrigerant will be implemented in 2025. These new coolants are engineered to be friendlier to the environment and meet updated regulations about global warming.
At the 27.8 °C (82.0 °F) rating point, the R410A system capacity was approximately 2 % greater than that of the R22 system. As the outdoor temperature increased, the capacity of the R410A system decreased more rapidly than the R22 system capacity, and at the 54.4 °C (130.0 °F) test point was 9 % below the R22 value.
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.
R290 and R32 are both gases used in air conditioning units. They're also known as refrigerants, which means they help cool down your room by turning into liquids when pumped through the system. Compared to other gases such as R12, and R22, they are safer and environment-friendly to use.
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.
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.
R-454B is the new refrigerant in 2024. By 2025, the EPA's required phaseout of R-410A will be in full effect, with production, importation, and distribution no longer allowed. HVACR businesses must be evaluating their current choices in coolant and ready to make the jump.
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.
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.
R410A or Puron
This eco-friendly refrigerant gives you a much higher cooling efficiency with very little power consumption.
R-410A refrigerant prices range from $40 to $75 per pound. To replace R-410A refrigerant in your leaky AC, you will need to hire an HVAC professional since the EPA prohibits handling AC refrigerant without a license. R-410A is actively being phased out due to its high global warming potential.
What refrigerant will replace R-410A in 2025? For whole-home systems, Lennox has chosen 2025 Compliant Refrigerant R-454B due to its excellent performance for ducted systems and zero ozone depletion potential. For mini-splits, we selected R-32, designed to optimize efficiency and reliability in ductless systems.
The lower GWP of R32 means it has a lower impact on the environment compared to R22 and R410A. Energy efficiency: R32 has a higher energy efficiency compared to R22 and R410A, which means that air conditioning systems using R32 require less energy to operate and can result in lower electricity consumption and cost.
However, improper disposal of the R410A refrigerant can have a significant negative effect on the environment. If released into the atmosphere, it can deplete the ozone layer and contribute to global warming.
Why R-410A Is Being Phased Out. Because R-410A operates at such high pressures, there is an increased risk of an environmentally harmful refrigerant leak during maintenance and repair work. The R-410A phase-out means new HVAC systems will use more sustainable refrigerants.
Starting January 1, 2025, all new residential air conditioners and heat pumps must utilize A2L refrigerants. Older refrigerants like R-410, which are likely the refrigerant used by your current system, are being phased out. These new systems are designed to have a lower global warming potential (GWP).
R32 is the newest and most popular air conditioner refrigerant gas. This is because of its relatively high efficiency and low GWP (Global Warming Potential). R410A is also popular, but its higher GWP means that its more harmful to the environment.
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. However, the normal lifespan of an air conditioner is about 10-15 years anyway.
Several factors can influence the cost of R-410A refrigerant, including: Supply and Demand: As the phase-out progresses, the supply of R-410A will diminish, causing prices to increase due to scarcity.