"Hey Dan, do I need to change the
R22 and R410A Systems Selected
The two systems comprised the same evaporator and condenser. The main differences between the compared systems were the compressor, lubricant, and refrigerant. The piping arrangement included different thermostatic expansion valves (TXVs) and liquid line filters.
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.
So what the manufacturer recommends, the best option, is if you're going to go from an R22 unit to an R410 unit, that you should have your line set replaced at the same time. So everything is new. There's no contamination, there's no possibility of contamination.
The refrigerants have very different heat-transfer properties and use chemically incompatible lubricating oils, so they aren't interchangeable and can't be mixed. Transitioning one unit to the next could require replacing the compressor, evaporator and condenser, along with potentially replacing their copper lines.
Mixing R22 with R407C or any other refrigerant. According to the 609 EPA rule, mixing refrigerants is illegal and anybody caught doing so will be heavily fined.
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 operational pressure of the refrigerant R410A becomes higher compared to R22. In the worst case, a lack of compressive strength may lead to piping explosion.
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.
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.
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 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.
"Hey Dan, do I need to change the TXV valve when switching the outdoor condenser from R-22 refrigerant to R410A?" Yes, you are going to have to change out the TXV. Why? Well, R410A works at a different temperature and a different pressure than R-22. If you don't change it then it's not going to boil off correctly.
TXVs used in air conditioning units and heat pumps are interchangeable as long as they are the same size and for the same refrigerant. However, it is recommended to follow the manufacturer's specifications and guidelines to ensure proper operation and efficiency.
The pressure can become high enough for parts of the system to rupture. At the very least, leaks will occur.
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.
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.
The impending phaseout of R-410A, a widely used refrigerant in HVAC systems, marks a huge shift for homeowners and the HVAC industry. Set to take effect on December 31, 2024, this change is driven by global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and comply with environmental regulations.
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.
ACHR NEWS: As a mildly flammable refrigerant, R-454B can't be retrofitted into existing R-22 and R-410A systems.
A bigger condenser ensures a greater heat exchange surface – aiding in rapid cooling, reduced strain on the mechanical components, and enhanced dehumidification - all of which translate into prompt and efficient cooling for our comfort.
An R-22 Refrigerant Replacement for Direct Expansion Refrigeration. Freon™ MO29 (R-422D) refrigerant is a low-toxicity, non-ozone depleting hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) replacement for R-22.
In the first half of 2024 we'll phase out our R-410A dedicated models and introduce -01 refrigerant versatile models, compatible with both R-410A and R-454B refrigerants.