You should buy R-22 or R-410A for your AC unit. These two types of AC refrigerant are what virtually all working HVAC units use to cool down an interior space. If you have a newer unit, you will likely need to buy R-410A (which you can find in many hardware stores and some large stores like Walmart).
R-410A: Known by brand names like Puron, R-410A is currently one of the most common refrigerants in newer air conditioners. Unlike R-22, it does not deplete the ozone layer and is considered more environmentally friendly.
R-32 has a higher pressure ratio than R-410A. Basically, a higher pressure ratio means the refrigerant can cool more with less refrigerant, which also means less electricity is required for the system to cool your home.
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.
R-410A is not only better for the ozone layer; it also provides a better overall operation. It absorbs and releases the heat better than R-22, making your compressor run cooler so that it does not overheat.
The pressure can become high enough for parts of the system to rupture. At the very least, leaks will occur.
In 2010, the U.S. stopped the sale of newly manufactured residential air conditioning units and heat pumps that use R-22 because of its particularly harmful impact on the ozone layer when released into the air. On January 1, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the production and import of R-22.
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.
What are my options for replacing R-410A? Because there are no retrofits for R410A, a replacement is needed. 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.
Regulatory Changes: As the phase-out continues to restrict production levels and importation, the R-410A price will likely increase. Manufacturing Costs: Fluctuations in the cost of raw materials and manufacturing can also influence the price of refrigerants.
No. R32 is not suitable as a drop-in replacement for R410A and must only be used in systems specifically designed for R32.
Which gases are used in AC? 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.
Starting in January 2025, no new HVAC systems will use R-410A refrigerant. Instead, most residential systems will use either R-32 or R-454B refrigerant, both of which have a comparably lower environmental impact.
R-134a refrigerant, also known as Tetrafluoroethane, is a popular choice for commercial refrigeration systems due to its low toxicity and non-flammability. It is commonly used in medium- and high-temperature applications, such as refrigerators, air conditioning units, and chillers.
ComStar's RS-53 (R470A) is the world's only drop-in retrofit replacement for existing R410a systems. At 909, RS-53 has a GWP that is effectively 56% lower than R410a. Additionally, RS-51 (R470B) has a GWP of 717 which is 80% lower than R404a, R507 and half of R448A and R449A.
Beginning January 1, 2025, residential and light commercial air conditioning products utilizing R410A will no longer be allowed for import into the United States. Subsequent phases of the AIM act involve gradually eliminating R410A from existing systems, a process anticipated to unfold over the next several years.
Introducing R-454B
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.
The EPA has rules about the purchasing of refrigerant according to its Clean Air Act, Section 608, 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F. The rules state that those who purchase R-410A or any other ozone-depleting substance or ODS must have EPA certification.
What is the replacement for R-410A? A lower GWP replacement for R-410A is Forane® R-32. Forane® 32 is a stand-alone third generation refrigerant for new residential and light commercial air conditioning systems, heat pumps and other HVAC applications.
R-454B. R-454B is the newest refrigerant, which will gradually replace R-410A, the refrigerant used in HVAC manufacturing from 2010 until the phase-out is complete in January 2025.
R-22 is an HCFC refrigerant that is often used in air-conditioning equipment. To protect the Earth's protective ozone layer, the United States is phasing out R-22, along with other chemicals.
As of January 1, 2020, production and import of R22 refrigerant will be illegal in the United States. Of course, continued use of your air conditioner (AC) or heat pump system using R22 refrigerant is allowed.
Goodman became the world's first company to succeed in applying R-32 to air conditioners by leveraging its expertise as the only manufacturer that develops and manufactures both air conditioners and refrigerants. Currently, R-410A is the refrigerant most commonly used in developed countries.
If you put the newer freon in right away, your unit will rupture due to the force. However, you can convert your AC unit to handle R410A. You'll need to replace the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and likely the refrigerant tubing. If you replace all of this, your old unit will work fine with the new freon.