Cost: R410A can be more expensive than other refrigerants due to its environmental impact and manufacturing costs. The higher cost of R410A can be a barrier for some consumers, especially when considering long-term operational expenses and the potential need for future upgrades or replacements.
R32 typically cools a room faster than R410A and R22 due to its higher heat transfer efficiency. This allows for quicker cooling, making it a popular choice for air conditioning systems seeking faster cooling performance.
R32 refrigerant units offer a notable reduction in both initial and ongoing costs. The actual equipment itself is cheaper compared to units that use older refrigerants. Additionally, thanks to their high energy efficiency, these units consume less power, leading to lower electricity bills.
Toxic substances like hydrogen fluoride and carbon dioxide are created when R32, like all fluorinated refrigerants, is burnt. Asphyxiation and freeze burns are also a risk.
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.
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.
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.
However, R32 is not a drop-in replacement for R410A — and vice versa — because the two require different operating conditions.
Although there are various types of refrigerants, R-32 is a balanced refrigerant currently receiving attention. Because R-32 efficiently conveys heat, it can reduce electricity consumption up to approximately 10% compared to that of air conditioners using refrigerant R-22.
After R410 is completely phased out in January of 2025, it is also likely that new HVAC systems will be designed with sensors and other mechanisms to detect R410 refrigerant and prevent operation.
LG leads the way with R32 refrigerant
Now builders can take advantage of the many benefits of R32 refrigerant for their homeowners with LG solutions and technologies as a refrigerant that reliably keeps homes warm and cool.
Over 15 years later, this audience has become even more niche, and the R32 now has a cult-like following. If you are willing to join this cult and have the financial means to maintain the car, then absolutely, you should buy one. A well-maintained R32 is surely a future classic.
New air conditioning systems using R32 and R454B are anticipated to be more expensive than R410A systems. This higher cost is primarily due to the need to redesign systems to safely handle mildly flammable refrigerants.
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.
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.
The Takeaway. In most cases, R32 is the superior refrigerant when compared to R410A. While neither refrigerant depletes the ozone layer, R32 has a lower GWP and is easier to recycle. R32 also has lower operating and maintenance costs and is nowadays more common than R410A due to the phase-out.
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.
Only Section 608 certified technicians can purchase refrigerants intended for use with stationary refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment.
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.
R-454B has a lower GWP than previous refrigerants, meaning it has a much lower climate impact. Trane is phasing in the transition to R-454B in 2024, starting with the adoption of R-454B refrigerant in its residential products, beginning with the XR15 SEER2 heat pump.
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.
R410A or Puron
R410A is a latest refrigerant that is not only good for the environment, but it also provides a much more efficient cooling experience. It is used extensively in refrigerators and air condoners worldwide for its 0 ODP and a medium (2088) GWP rating.
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.
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.