Converting central-air units to R-A is a project for HVAC professionals. As of 2012, the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) industry is in the process of changing over from ozone-depleting R-22 refrigerant to environmentally-friendlier R-410A refrigerant. The manufacture and import of complete new HVAC systems using R-22 was banned in the U.S. in 2010, but parts for R-22 systems and the R-22 refrigerant itself remain available as of 2012 to HVAC contractors for repair work. Converting an R-22 HVAC system to R-410A is a major undertaking and is not a do-it-yourself project. Major Changes Converting an R-22 system to R-410A is like converting a diesel engine to run on gasoline; it can’t be done without making major changes to the entire system. In the case of HVAC systems, conversion requires replacing the R-22 compressor, evaporator and condenser with units designed to run with R-410A. Sometimes the copper lines connecting the components also must be replaced, but it may be possible to clean, flush and dry the lines if they can handle the higher pressures of R-410A.

Bone Dry A crucial part of the conversion process is removing all moisture from the system and ensuring it is free of leaks before charging with the R-410A. The polyethylene-based lubricating oil breaks down in the presence of water. After the new R-410A mechanical components are installed and all line connections brazed, the installer must connect a vacuum pump to the system, draw it down to a vacuum of 500 microns, and hold it there for several hours, sucking out any traces of water vapor that boil out of the system in this hard vacuum. Leaks in the system make it impossible to hold the vacuum until they are found and fixed. Once the system is dry and tight, the technician can charge the system with R-410A. Incompatible Products The extensive system changes are required because R-22 and R-410A refrigerants are not interchangeable and cannot be mixed in the same HVAC system. These products have very different heat-transfer properties and use chemically incompatible lubricating oils. R-410A requires a polyester-based synthetic lubricant, while R-22 needs natural petroleum-based oil.

What this means is that a system designed to use R-22 will fail quickly if filled with R-410A, and vice versa. For instance, R-410A builds up system pressure on the high-pressure side that is 50 percent greater than R-22, putting overwhelming strain on the compressor, lines and seals. If the R-410A lubricant encounters traces of the R-22 lubricant, it will break down and lose lubricating ability. Switch or Wait If you have a relatively recent R-22 HVAC system that is running fine, you don’t have to switch immediately. Under U.S. regulations, chemical companies can continue to make R-22 for service needs until 2020, and may offer R-22 reclaimed from equipment until 2030. HVAC equipment producers can manufacture R-22 HVAC repair parts as long as they are sold “dry,” without the refrigerant. At some future point, though, system owners will find it more cost-effective to replace an old, breakdown-prone R-22 system with a new R-410A HVAC system. References RSES Journal: Exploring the Differences Between R-410A and R-22EPA.gov: R-22, Homeowners’ FAQMSI HVAC Tech Services: R-22/R-410A ConversionHannabery HVAC: The Truth About Freon Photo Credits Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images Suggest a Correction

If you haven't heard, refrigerant standards have changed, requiring homeowners to take a closer look at their air conditioning units. hvac rooftop unit maintenanceAlthough these new government policies force the HVAC industry to adapt, the policies still have a few years to go into full effect. split unit air conditioner btu calculatorHere's what homeowners need to know to prepare for the change.hvac unit for upstairs Why is R-22 Being Phased Out? R-22 refrigerant, otherwise known as AC Freon, is known to contain ozone-depleting properties. That is why the United States government has stepped in to require that all heat pumps and air conditioners no longer use this refrigerant. For a long time, it was the industry standard in central air conditioning systems.

Now, R-22 is still being manufactured to maintain and repair existing equipment. After January 1, 2020, however, R-22 will no longer be able to be manufactured or imported in the U.S. Because of this, the rarity of R-22 refrigerant has caused a dramatic price increase. Does Your Unit Use R-22? Most air conditioning units manufactured before the 2010 cutoff will most likely still use the outdated refrigerant. For homeowners that installed a new system after the 2010 deadline, it is safe to say that they are not using R-22. To make sure, homeowners should read their unit's nameplate (found on the outdoor condenser) or check their system manual. If all else fails, call us to send a certified technician to check. If your system still uses R-22, there are more environmentally-friendly refrigerant options. While this solution is not recommended, it can be a temporary fix. Instead of simply replacing the ozone-depleting refrigerant, contractors recommend upgrading to a newer, higher efficiency air conditioning unit.

Every HVAC system purchased after the 2020 deadline, should use the environmentally-friendly R410A refrigerant. Some manufacturers, such as Lennox Industries, are currently using R410A with their systems and have already been doing so for many years. In order to circumvent the R-22 restrictions, manufacturers have developed air conditioning units called "dry charge" systems. These systems are designed to be used with R-22 refrigerant. The difference is that instead of shipping with the refrigerant inside, it is added on-site during installation. Additionally, many homeowners have successfully retrofitted their systems to MO99 refrigerant. Alternative refrigerants are also known in the industry as "drop-ins." However, the best option, especially for the environmentally conscious, is to upgrade to a system that uses the safer R410A refrigerant. For any additional concerns, don't hesitate to call us or schedule a service appointment online. Our NATE-certified technicians can inspect your air conditioning unit to determine your specific needs.