What’s the Difference Between R-22 and R-410A?

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AC Heating Connect Service Tech uses an iPad 6 for important HVAC information

Comparing Refrigerants Side-by-Side

One of the hottest discussions (pardon the pun) within the air conditioning and heating industry is the difference between two refrigerants – R-22 and R-410A. As a homeowner considering a purchase, it’s important that you understand the difference so you can make the best decision for your system. We’ve outlined below the main differences and why they matter.

R-22

  • Often referred to by a brand name like Freon®
  • As of 2010, R-22 was discontinued for use in new air conditioning systems
  • R-22 is a hydro-chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) which contributes to ozone depletion

R-410A

  • Often referred to by a brand name like Puron®
  • Has been approved for use in new residential air conditioners
  • Is a hydro-fluorocarbon (HFC) which does not contribute to ozone depletion
  • Will become the new standard for U.S. residential air conditioning systems in 2015

Compare R-22 and R-410A refrigerants

Performance Differences

Newer air conditioning models are designed to be used with R-410A for reliable and more efficient operation. Because R-410A can absorb and release more heat than R-22, your air conditioning compressor can run cooler, reducing the risk of compressor burnout due to overheating.

R-410A also functions at a higher pressure than R-22, so new compressors are built to withstand greater stresses, reducing the chance for cracking. If you were to put R-410A refrigerant into a system designed for R-22, the pressure would be too much and the unit would break.

All air conditioners use an oil to keep the compressor lubricated during operation. R-22 air conditioners use mineral oil and R-410A systems use synthetic oil. The synthetic oil is generally more soluble with R-410A than mineral oil is with R-22. This means the R-410A system operates more efficiently reducing wear and tear on the compressor.

Dry Charging

While R-22 was outlawed in 2010 for use in new units, some companies are taking advantage of the law by producing what’s known as ‘dry charge’ units. These are new units that don’t have the refrigerant installed at the factory. Instead, a technician is required to come out to your home and install the R-22 refrigerant. While this practice is technically legal, this isn’t the best option for the following reasons:

  • There is a limited supply of R-22 and its price will increase as supplies diminish
  • R-410A offers greater efficiency, saving you in energy costs, and is much better for the environment
  • Dry charged units typically offer much shorter warranty periods

What have you heard about these two refrigerants? We can help give you unbiased answers!

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434 thoughts on “What’s the Difference Between R-22 and R-410A?”

  1. Hi Luis – a properly installed system should not leak refrigerant and you should not have to add refrigerant as part of regular maintenance. So it might last a while before needing a repair that requires refrigerant. If you do need R-22 it might get to be expensive over time but should still be available for repair use. Some OEM’s do not allow the use of “drop in” R-22 replacements and if they do they sometimes have special instructions regarding the oil so to you might need to check with them about that question. For example, R407C is a popular R22 replacement but you need to change to oil to POE instead of mineral oil with R22.

    Retrofitting an R-22 system to run on R-410A is an expensive and complicated job. In addition to the expense, the outdoor coil will not be optimized for R-410A which is also runs at higher pressures than R-22. Systems typically run 16 years (more or less depending on geography and run time) so maybe yours can last that long without needing more R-22. I hope this helps answer some of your questions.

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  2. After 18 years as a homeowner, I finally had my entire 3-ton Hiel system (furnace, E coil, & compressor) replaced a few years ago with American Standard equipment – it runs on R22. Will I run into R22 “recharge” maintenance issues in the future and/or will MO99 fill that gap? I’m looking at my options as it applies to my scenario. Also, I’m probably a few years away from selling my house and am thinking about potential show stoppers. Since I have newer equipment, not converting from R22 to R410A shouldn’t be a problem when it’s time to sell? To change it over to 410A, I’m probably looking at around $3500 (new line set, evaporator coil, and compressor)… not cost effective at this time.

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    • You have to use the refrigerant, for which the compressor and all the other components were designed to be used. Using the wrong refrigerant will probably cause initial performance issues and could make it inoperable over time. R22 and R410A also use different oils so that could make it even worse for you in this scenario.

      Reply ↓

  4. I had a system installed 4 yrs ago. It’s an R410a Rheem unit. It stopped cooling at all this past weekend, would run for hours and not drop one degree. I just had a tech come by and barely top it off with R410a. He said even if it’s slightly low the system stops working (or just stops cooling). Any reason why? My old system (R22) would just take longer to chill. We were unable to find any leaks but suggested, since it’s still under warranty to have the evaporator coils replaced. Says they aren’t made like they use to be.

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  5. Question related to my Previous post
    The Sticker of the outdoor unit says
    Suction pressure max 4.20 MPa- can the .655 mm thickness copper pipe can sustain this pressure?
    Another pressure max is 1.99 Mpa
    Plz help

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  6. I got a 24000 BTU Split where the manual says I need to use 1mm thickness 5/8 copper pipe but in my area I could get only 0.655 mm copper pipe. As the R410 pressure is 1.6 time higher, can I use the 0.655 mm copper pipe for the unit. The 1/4 pipe I got with a thickness 0.50 mm. Plz suggest.
    Plz help me

    Reply ↓

  7. I had R22 put in my 17 yr old Trane today. He told me R410A was causing a lot of issues in the new units and would be phased out soon. He advised me to buy a new unit the took R22. why would I buy a phased out product?

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Craig,

      R-22 has not been allowed in new AC systems since January, 2010 as part of the Montreal Protocol which was dealing with the depletion of the ozone layer. There may still be some partial systems (outdoor units) that can be used with R-22 and these are called “dry” units because they come without a refrigerant charge – and use recycled R-22 or other stocked refrigerant. R-22 dry units can still be used for repair situations but a recent regulatory guideline from DOE stopped the production of most R22 dry charge units in February, 2016, so these will be hard to get as inventory in the channel is depleted.

      One of the main reasons to use these R-22 dry units would be to avoid the cost of replacing your indoor air handler if it is still in good shape and will not need to be replaced in the near future. Our research shows that on average, people in the U.S. replace their systems when they are about 14 years old – sooner in the south and for heat pumps and a little later in the north where the cooling season is shorter. You might compare the age/run time of your system to those statistics as part of your decision process.

      On the other hand, a new, R-410A system would provide a complete upgrade to your HVAC system and would probably provide higher efficiency and possibly some comfort benefits along with a full OEM system warranty. R-410A systems have been the industry standard for US residential HVAC since 2010 and they have had a good quality record, which in many cases has been superior to what was experienced with the older R-22 systems. In general it is always a good idea to have a few quotes from various contractors before making any repair or replacement decisions

      As for the future of refrigerants, there are discussions and testing going on now with the government and industry to develop refrigerants and equipment for HVAC applications which might improve the potential impact on global climate change. However, at this time, there has been no specific timeline established for replacing R-410A in U.S. residential applications. We will be updating the articles on this site as more information comes out on this topic so check back from time to time to see what has changed.

      I hope this answers some of your questions.

      Reply ↓

  8. What is the difference in charge of refrigerant with the same capacity air conditioners for R-410 and R-22 for new system. I mean what charge is required for R-22 and what charge is required for R-410a for new systems. For example for a new system of R-22 it is probably 1.2 kg for 1.5 ton air conditioner. I understand that the charge of R-410a is more for the same new 1.5 ton air conditioner. How much more? What will be the cost difference for the same capacity of air conditioners? in my case I am interested for 1.5 ton air split air conditioner.
    Another question is why only R-410a is used in inverter technology and why not R-22?
    Having a negative impact on climate with R-410a, what will be the fate of the air conditioners bought today. I hope there will be new refrigerants coming in. If it is so shall I think of buying something which is more recent i.e. the air conditioner with a new refrigerant that is both ozone friendly and environment friendly?

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Mosuf – When comparing R-22/R-410A, if the systems are the same size and same SEER, the R-410A will typically have a smaller charge amount due to the R-410A being able to “carry” more heat per lbs of mass flow. Also, when some OEM’s developed their R-410A systems they made other changes in those designs which reduced the charge so in general, the newer R-410A systems use less refrigerant to meet the same capacities as similar, older R-22 systems.

      As far as the actual system charge amounts required, these will vary based on the liquid and suction line lengths, along with of size and efficiency of the system and refrigerant used. A contractor can use gages to insure that any re-charging is done to the proper level. Getting the charge wrong (high or low) can lead to problems with your system.

      On the question of inverter technology, there are some R22 inverter systems available in those regions that still allow R22 to be used. In the US, new systems can’t be sold with R22 so that might be why you have only seen R-410A in newer systems designed with inverter drives.

      The industry is currently considering what the next new refrigerants will be but this has not yet been determined in the U.S. For most residential applications, R-410A systems are the only ones available.

      We are hoping that there is going to be an orderly phase down of R-410A after the new refrigerants are determined and released – like there was with R-22. This would allow for service, repairs and re-charge situations for some period of time. For example, R22 was phased out in new equipment in 2010 but it is still available for service and recharge today.

      I hope this helps to answer some of your questions.

      Reply ↓

  9. I AM A HVAC CONTRACTOR, HAVE BEEN FOR 48 YEARS. WE HAVE
    RECCOMENDED REPLACEMENT SYSTEMS TO BE COMPLETED IN
    FULL, CONDENSER, EVAPORATOR COIL AND LINE SET ON EVERY JOB. ALSO PERFORMING AN INSPECTION OF THE DUCT SYSTEM, SIZING ETC.

    Reply ↓

  10. I have a split system installed(and not very well) with pipes behind the plasterboard when built, the R22 system has blown up and needs replacing but so far 5 technicians have not been able to come up with a suggestion on installation as it seems it is not easy to install new pipes for the gas. 2 have suggested they clean out existing pipes and fit something or other so I can install a new 410a. Is this possible or would I eventually wreck the new split system. ANY suggestions on how to tackle this would be appreciated. It is my only form of heating and cooling.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Lucille,

      Cleaning, flushing and reusing the existing pipes would be an easier and faster option, but this might also lead to a slightly higher risk of leaks in the future. So installing new piping for an R-410A system would be a better alternative in the long run. However, people have been re-using existing line sets with good success over the past few years as long as they follow the required process but it is important to make sure you hire a contractor who understands how to do this and knows what to look for.

      Also, the outdoor coil and compressor are designed for a specific refrigerant and should be matched with an indoor coil and metering device that are designed for that same refrigerant. The metering device (e.g. expansion valve) would need to be replaced to work with R-410A if your old outdoor unit was designed for R-22. For the coils, we would suggest that you contact the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) who built your current system and ask them (or your contractor) if your coil is suitable for R-410A and advise you on this matter. We would also suggest to get at least 2-3 separate contractors to quote your job before deciding what to do. Most contractors can quote you on both approaches – partial or full replacement of the system and the line sets (or piping).

      Kind regards,
      Scott

      Reply ↓

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