What Kinds Of Coolant Are Used In Air Conditioners?
Differentiating Between Modern Air Conditioning Refrigerants: An In-Depth Look into R-410A, R-22, R-134a, and R-407C”
In the evolving landscape of air conditioning units, an array of refrigerants has emerged, each boasting unique features and applications. The clear understanding of these coolants plays a pivotal role when dealing with maintenance tasks, necessary repairs, and system upgrades related to your air conditioning units. Notable refrigerants commonly used in contemporary models include R-410A, R-134a, and R-407C, with a host of other alternatives available. This article also sheds light on the older, phased-out R-22 variant.
R-410A: The Go-to Option for Modern HVAC Systems R-410A refrigerant has gained approval for its utilization in the latest HVAC systems. Often identified by brand names like Suva® 9100, Genetron® AZ-20®, or Puron®, this hydro-fluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant poses no threat to the ozone layer. It has become the standard choice for the latest residential and small commercial standalone air conditioning systems. It’s crucial to note that R-410A operates at significantly higher pressures than R-22, which requires that systems using R-410A have components that can handle these heightened pressures, over 50% higher than those of R-22 systems.
R-22: The Phased-out Refrigerant R-22, commonly referred to by its brand name, Freon®, has been discontinued in new air conditioning systems since 2010. This hydro-chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerant was once widely used, but its detrimental effect on the ozone layer led to its phase-out. Its usage was entirely prohibited in all HVAC systems post-2015.
R-134a: A Global Solution R-134a has been embraced globally in many diverse refrigeration and air conditioning systems. It’s also an HFC, ensuring it doesn’t cause ozone depletion. It holds the distinction of being the first commercially successful non-ozone-depleting fluorocarbon refrigerant. Composed of a single component with no glide, R-134a finds frequent usage in large commercial screw chillers.
R-407C: The Closest Match to R-22 Known by brand names such as Genetron® 407C and Suva® 407C, R-407C is a popular HFC refrigerant. It does not contribute to atmospheric ozone depletion, making it a preferable choice. When it comes to high-temperature HFC refrigerants, R-407C is the closest alternative to R-22. Despite having a lower efficiency due to its high glide, it offers the simplest conversion process because of similar pressures to R-22.
The Ideal Choice: R-410A R-410A has cemented its place as a viable long-term refrigerant for both residential and small commercial air conditioning systems. Its high efficiency, combined with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) value near to that of R-22, makes it an energy-efficient and easy-to-use refrigerant in most air conditioning systems. Furthermore, numerous components are now available that aid in the design of efficient R-410A systems.
R-410A is favored for new system designs due to its superior capacity for heat absorption and release compared to R-22. This allows air conditioning compressors to run at cooler temperatures, thus reducing the risk of overheating and consequent compressor failure. As R-410A operates at higher pressures than R-22, compressors need to be constructed to withstand these increased pressures, ensuring a robust and resilient air conditioning system.
R-410A air conditioning systems employ Polyol Ester oil (POE) for lubrication, an upgrade over the previously used mineral oil. POE dissolves better, enhancing overall system efficiency, minimizing compressor wear and tear, and thus extending the lifespan of the equipment.
Lastly, considering the environmental impact of an air conditioning system is paramount. Certain regions offer tax incentives or rebates for systems and buildings that comply with local or state green codes. R-410A systems, being environmentally friendly and sustainable, provide quick returns on investment and potential rebates, making them not only an economical but also an environmentally responsible choice. Their numerous benefits often make these systems the prime choice for new installations.
