Maintaining my R-22 Air Conditioner: Is it Worth it? (2020)

The Time for R-22 is Over

The R-22 refrigerant was the most frequently used refrigerant in air conditioners and heat pumps until 2010. But since the R-22 causes ozone depletion, the Environmental Protection Agency required manufacturers of the R-22 to phase out its use.

R410-A became the standard refrigerant used by 2015.

Suppose you are a homeowner in the Palm Beach County area. In that case, you are probably wondering whether you can switch from the R-22 to the R410-A for your air conditioning system. The answer is both yes an

The R410-A and the R-22 both have different chemical properties and cannot easily be switched. The R410-A operates on a higher pressure, causing parts to rupture due to an increase in force if you put R410-A into a system designed for R-22.

It is possible to convert your current system to run on R410-A, but the cost will be very expensive. You will need to replace your compressor, as well as your condenser, evaporator, and refrigerant tubing. At that point, it would be more effective to simply replace your system with one that was originally designed to use R410-A.

The Advantages of R-410A

Your compressor will be able to operate at a cooler temperature because R410-A absorbs more heat than R-22. This will help reduce the risk of your compressor burning out or your system overheating. Your air conditioning unit needs oil so that your compressor stays lubricated during operation. R410-A units use synthetic oil, while R-22 units use mineral oil. Synthetic oil mixes better with R410-A than the mineral oil would with R-22. This leads to R410-A air conditioners running more efficiently, reducing the wear and tear on the compressor.

Looking at Air Conditioners in the Future

Manufacturers are halting production on R-22 by 2020, and reclaimed or recycled R-22 will only be available until 2030. The costs will rise significantly, and it will be vital for you to protect your system from refrigerant leaks and the service cost to repair R-22 by properly maintaining your system.