| So what's all the fuss about with R22 refrigerant, R410a (Puron) and 13 SEER? The majority of property owners don't know what has happened! |
This page receives more traffic than all others combined on our site. The main reason: this change digs deep into your
pocketbook. It is a huge issue for homeowners and people who manage property. To understand why the 13 SEER and
R410a change is so huge, read what is written below:
Monochlorodifluromethane (R22 or HCFC-22) has been in use for many decades as an efficient refrigerant for home air
conditioning. It has been a cheap and reliable product, with a very broad range of applications including commercial
refrigeration. However, R22 is an ozone depleting refrigerant because it contains chlorine. As a result, under the Montreal
Protocol, R22 is scheduled to be eventually eliminated.
After January, 2010, new air conditioning units manufactured will be operating on a refrigerant other than R22. Then, the
production of R22 will cease as of January, 2020. The predominant replacement for R22 so far is R410a (Puron). This is a
refrigerant that runs at much higher pressures than R22. Switching from R22 to R410a is not a retrofit and means equipment
changes. There will continue to be replacement refrigerants that will operate in existing R22 systems however.
pocketbook. It is a huge issue for homeowners and people who manage property. To understand why the 13 SEER and
R410a change is so huge, read what is written below:
Monochlorodifluromethane (R22 or HCFC-22) has been in use for many decades as an efficient refrigerant for home air
conditioning. It has been a cheap and reliable product, with a very broad range of applications including commercial
refrigeration. However, R22 is an ozone depleting refrigerant because it contains chlorine. As a result, under the Montreal
Protocol, R22 is scheduled to be eventually eliminated.
After January, 2010, new air conditioning units manufactured will be operating on a refrigerant other than R22. Then, the
production of R22 will cease as of January, 2020. The predominant replacement for R22 so far is R410a (Puron). This is a
refrigerant that runs at much higher pressures than R22. Switching from R22 to R410a is not a retrofit and means equipment
changes. There will continue to be replacement refrigerants that will operate in existing R22 systems however.
One noticeable effect of switching from a R22 system to a R410a system is the fact that the cost
may be 2-3 times what a R22 system used to be. Another is that the oil used is different. Most
R22 systems are lubricated by mineral oil. R410a systems use Polyol Ester (POE) oil. Mineral oil
and POE oil can not be mixed even in small amounts. If they are mixed, a thick sludge or foam
forms that will quickly block the metering device in the evaporator coil and in extreme cases
become acidic which ruins compressors. What this means is that all components may need to be
replaced - including your refrigerant lines. What if your lines are behind finished walls? Ideally, the
lines should be replaced if they have had mineral oil in them. However, there are flush kits
available to clean the mineral oil out. A qualified technician will help you decide which is the best
route to take with your specific application and needs. If it is not installed properly, it will cost
somebody $$$ to straighten it out.
may be 2-3 times what a R22 system used to be. Another is that the oil used is different. Most
R22 systems are lubricated by mineral oil. R410a systems use Polyol Ester (POE) oil. Mineral oil
and POE oil can not be mixed even in small amounts. If they are mixed, a thick sludge or foam
forms that will quickly block the metering device in the evaporator coil and in extreme cases
become acidic which ruins compressors. What this means is that all components may need to be
replaced - including your refrigerant lines. What if your lines are behind finished walls? Ideally, the
lines should be replaced if they have had mineral oil in them. However, there are flush kits
available to clean the mineral oil out. A qualified technician will help you decide which is the best
route to take with your specific application and needs. If it is not installed properly, it will cost
somebody $$$ to straighten it out.
-- Locally, some contractors chose to mix 13 SEER condensing units with older 8-10 SEER indoor coils in order to save
money. In 2007, we saw compressors fail within 6-8 month periods because of improper installation. This really does
matter and equipment has to be installed per manufacturer's specs. Improper installation voids the compressor warranty
and these improper installations were not covered.
R22 = high potential for ozone depletion due to chlorine gas in the mixture
R410a = high potential for global warming due to being methane based (a hydrocarbon = global warmer)
As far as installing the unit in your home, POE oil used in R410a systems is not forgiving and requires a lot more care
during installation. If your contractor is sloppy with his work, he may cause you hidden problems that will surface after
some time (moisture in your system or mixed oils). Make sure your installer is reputable and follows the necessary
installation procedures when installing a R410a system.
For more info about R22 replacement, visit the EPA's website at www.epa.gov/ozone or
www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/phaseout/22phaseout.html
There is also information to be found at Wikipedia - the web's free encyclopedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R-410A
money. In 2007, we saw compressors fail within 6-8 month periods because of improper installation. This really does
matter and equipment has to be installed per manufacturer's specs. Improper installation voids the compressor warranty
and these improper installations were not covered.
R22 = high potential for ozone depletion due to chlorine gas in the mixture
R410a = high potential for global warming due to being methane based (a hydrocarbon = global warmer)
As far as installing the unit in your home, POE oil used in R410a systems is not forgiving and requires a lot more care
during installation. If your contractor is sloppy with his work, he may cause you hidden problems that will surface after
some time (moisture in your system or mixed oils). Make sure your installer is reputable and follows the necessary
installation procedures when installing a R410a system.
For more info about R22 replacement, visit the EPA's website at www.epa.gov/ozone or
www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/phaseout/22phaseout.html
There is also information to be found at Wikipedia - the web's free encyclopedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R-410A
| Gibson's Repair - The 13 SEER change and R22 Phaseout |
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| You've seen it on TV -- Puron - R410a It's the same thing. R410a is called Puron by some compaines. Puron is simply R410a under a trade name. |
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R22
R410a
Starting in 2006, you may have noticed the effects of new DOE standards when 13 SEER
requirements went into effect. SEER is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio in a cooling system.
Switching to a 13 SEER system means that the entire air conditioning system (evaporator coil,
condensing unit and possibly line sets) must be replaced to meet these efficiency requirements.
13 SEER equipment is about 1 1/2 times larger than most standard units in operation today. In
many cases, manufacturer's warranties will be void if the equipment is not properly matched. As
you can imagine, the cost of replacement will be considerably higher to make these changes.
requirements went into effect. SEER is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio in a cooling system.
Switching to a 13 SEER system means that the entire air conditioning system (evaporator coil,
condensing unit and possibly line sets) must be replaced to meet these efficiency requirements.
13 SEER equipment is about 1 1/2 times larger than most standard units in operation today. In
many cases, manufacturer's warranties will be void if the equipment is not properly matched. As
you can imagine, the cost of replacement will be considerably higher to make these changes.