If you are an HVAC novice, you may wonder what R-22 and R-410A are...In this article, we are here to let you know!
What is R-22?
R-22, or HFCH (hydrochlorofluorocarbon), is a refrigerant that was discovered back in 1928 as an effective and non-flammable refrigerant to be used in residential air conditioning. R-22 was used for many decades until the late 1980s, when it was discovered that the chlorine part of the compound was extremely detrimental to the ozone layer. Due to this discovery, as part of The Montreal Protocols worldwide agreement, HFCHs were named on the list of ozone-depleting substances to be phased out. This lead to the discovery of R-410A, or HFC (hydrofluorocarbon) as a common replacement.
Okay, so what is R-410A?
R-410A, while similar to R-22, does not contain the same chlorine element. This eliminates the largest concern of ozone-depleting properties that are evident in R-22. As for how this impacts the United States, in 2010 the EPA implemented a phase-out of R-22 which included banning all importing and production. R-410A provides a refrigerant without the global warming effects of R-22, and is supplied with all new air conditioning units and heat pumps in the US.
What do I do if my system still uses R-22?
If your current air conditioner or heat pump still uses R-22, that is okay! Although it has been phased out, it is still okay to continue using in your system if it is properly functioning. However, be aware that the cost of R-22 will most likely skyrocket as the demand for it increases at a lower supply. The only available R-22 left in the US is what is already here or what has been reclaimed.
This leads to a decision you need to make if your system has any problems: pay a large cost to repair and recharge it, or replace it with an updated R-410A system. In doing so, be sure to choose a heating an air company like ECI Comfort that will properly remove and dispose of the old R-22 refrigerant so that it does not gain access to the environment.
ECI Comfort specializes in properly removing R-22 refrigerant and replacing with new R-410A systems. Learn more about these opportunities by clicking the button below, or give us a call at 215-245-3200.
