R-22 vs R-410A Refrigerants

When discussing air conditioning, have you ever become confused by all the talk about different refrigerants?  If so, here is a quick look into the types of refrigerants that are out there.

In order to operate, air conditioners need refrigerant to complete the cooling process.  Typically in the past, the most common refrigerant used in homes was R-22 or Freon.  Unfortunately, because it was discovered that R-22 has adverse effects on the environment by depleting the ozone, R-22 refrigerants are in the process of being phased out.  In fact, as of 2010, no new air conditioners that use this type of refrigerant could be installed.

So what is being used instead?

What is replacing R-22 is R-410A, or Puron.  Unlike Freon (R-22), Puron  does not cause harm to the ozone.  Therefore, if your air conditioner was installed prior to 2010 it may operate on either Freon or Puron, but if it was installed after 2010 it will operate only with R-410A (Puron).

What if my air conditioner uses R-22?

If your air conditioner does use R-22, you do not need to worry just yet.  Technicians are still able to service these units, but after 2020 they will need to use recycled or reclaimed R-22.

For more information about these different refrigerants and the regulations surrounding them, please contact FLAME or check out this page from the EPA: What You Should Know About Refrigerants When Purchasing or Repairing a Residential A/C System or Heat Pump.

Some of this information came from-EPA: What You Should Know About Refrigerants When Purchasing or Repairing a Residential A/C System or Heat Pump and Puron.com