Since 1992, a major
The shift in the air conditioning industry has been underway. R22 refrigerant has been phased out in favor
of a new type of refrigerant: R410a. This has some big implications for
homeowners who are
repairing or replacing their air conditioners any time soon. Today we’re going to talk about the difference between
R22 vs. R410a refrigerant and how each will affect your home’s cooling system!
The Reason for the Shift From R22 to R410a Refrigerant
R22 has been the standard
refrigerant used in air conditioners for many years. The problem with this refrigerant is that it is both less
efficient and less environmentally friendly than R410a refrigerant. The
government-mandated shift away from R22 refrigerant is an attempt to make
homes more efficient and reduce the emissions of greenhouse gasses into
the environment.
R22 vs. R410a Refrigerant: Which is Better?
So, the government wants us to shift away from R22 refrigerant. But laws
aside, which of the two refrigerant options is a better option
for homeowners?
R22 refrigerant:
- As of 2010 is no longer allowed to be used in newly-manufactured air conditioners
- Contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer
- Is less capable of absorbing and releasing heat than R410a refrigerant,
making it less energy efficient - Is becoming more and more expensive as its use is phased out
R410a refrigerant:
- Is approved for use in all newly-manufactured air conditioners
- Does not contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer
- Is better at absorbing and releasing heat than R22 refrigerant, making
it is more efficient to use - Requires the use of tougher and more durable air conditioner parts, which
reduces the risk of your system overheating and breaking down
As you can see, R410a has some pretty substantial advantages in comparison
to R22 refrigerant.
What Does This Mean for St. Louis Area Homeowners?
Although R22 refrigerant is still available to replenish older systems
that have
refrigerant leaks, the cost of that repair is on the rise. Because R410a refrigerant requires
different air conditioner components than R22, you cannot replenish a
a system that uses R22 refrigerant with R410a refrigerant.
To reap the efficiency, performance, and environmental benefits
of R410a refrigerant, you will need to install a
a new system that is designed to use the refrigerant. If your air conditioner is nearing
the end of its
operating life, R410a refrigerant might be a good reason to replace your system sooner
rather than later so that you can avoid the rising costs of repairing
a refrigerant leak with R22 refrigerant.
Call Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning for All Your Refrigerant Needs
If you have any other questions about R22 vs. R410a refrigerant, or if
you’d like a cooling system to be
serviced or
installed in your Missouri home,
contact Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning, your St. Louis area air conditioning contractor. We service the St. Louis
area, including towns like Ladue, Lake St. Louis, and Manchester, MO.
