Vintage 401A

Replacement for R22

In a recent post, we looked at the Phasing out of the R22 Refrigerant (commonly known as Freon). As of January 2020, the refrigerant production was banned along with its importation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Trashed R22

Trashed R-22

In 1987 an agreement called the Montreal Protocol was signed, leading to the worldwide phasing out of ozone-depleting CFCs and later HCFCs. Freon, a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), was phased out due to its ozone-depleting properties.

The possession of R22 units is not illegal, however with little to no supply of R22, technicians may not be able to find any.

 

 

 

Top 4 R-22 Replacements and Why
  1. R-410A: Known as Puron, this is one of the most common replacements. It has a high efficiency and zero ozone depletion but requires equipment specifically designed for it, so it’s not a direct drop-in for R-22.
    • Why it’s a top choice: Known for its high energy efficiency and zero ozone depletion potential, R-410A is widely used in new systems.
    • Landscape 401A

      401A ready for action.

      Best for: New systems specifically designed for this replacement.

    • Considerations: Requires a new HVAC system because it operates at a higher pressure than R-22, so it’s not suitable for retrofitting R-22 systems.
  2. R-407C:
    • Why it’s a top choice: R-407C closely mimics the properties of R-22  in terms of operating pressure and performance. It has low ozone depletion potential and is compatible with existing R-22 components.
    • Best for: Retrofitting R-22 systems with minor modifications.
    • Considerations: Requires changing the system’s lubricant (to POE oil) due to differences in oil compatibility.
  3. R-438A (MO99)
    • Why it’s a top choice: MO99  is a versatile “drop-in” replacement, meaning it works in many existing R-22 systems with minimal adjustments. It’s environmentally friendly with zero ozone depletion potential.
    • Best for: Existing R-22 systems that need minimal retrofitting.
    • Considerations: While it’s a near drop-in solution, some systems may still require slight adjustments for optimal performance.
  4. R-422D
    • Why it’s a top choice: R-422D is compatible with R-22 systems without requiring a complete oil change, making it a smoother replacement with minimal labor involved.
    • Best for: Older R-22 systems needing a simpler replacement.
    • Considerations: This refrigerant is less energy-efficient than some alternatives, so it may result in slightly higher operational cost over time.

 

 

As we move forward with our upgraded blog, we’re excited to bring you more valuable insights on air conditioning, energy-saving tips, and more. Whether you’re looking to update an older system or explore new technologies, understanding your refrigerant choices is a critical step toward sustainable and efficient cooling.

Stay tuned for more expert advice, innovative solutions, and industry trends to help you make informed decisions and keep your spaces comfortable year-round. We’re glad to have you with us on this journey to cool and smarter comfort!

 

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