Can You Put R410A in an R32 System?

Refrigerant is an essential component of any air conditioning system. It absorbs the heat from inside your home, carries it outside and comes back to do it again. But what do you do if you run into refrigerant issues? Can you mix and match refrigerants in a pinch? Which one should you be using, anyway? Get the answers to your questions in our quick guide below.

Are R32 and R410A Compatible?

While R32 and R410A are similar in many ways, they're incompatible with systems that aren't designed for them. For example, both refrigerant types are hydrofluorocarbons, which means they are more efficient and environmentally friendly than hydrochlorofluorocarbons like R22, also known as Freon. However, R32 is not a drop-in replacement for R410A — and vice versa — because the two require different operating conditions.

What Are the Biggest Differences Between R32 and R410A?

These differences are the main reasons R32 is not a suitable R410A replacement refrigerant:

• Chemical composition: R410A is made of equal parts difluoromethane and pentafluoroethane. R32 only contains difluoromethane.
• Operating pressures: Because R410A operates at higher pressures than many other refrigerants, it requires different equipment from R32.
• Energy efficiency: R32 cools more efficiently than R410A due to its lower volumetric cooling capacity, which means R32 systems use less power per cooling cycle.
• Flammability: While R401A is not flammable, R32 falls under the mildly flammable category.

What Happens if You Use the Wrong Refrigerant?

Using the wrong refrigerant for your unit can have some serious consequences:

• Damage to system: Using the wrong refrigerant can cause your system to malfunction or even break down, which can significantly reduce its life span.
• Voiding warranties: Using a refrigerant other than the one intended by the manufacturer will automatically void your warranty in many cases.
• Increased operating costs: Reduced efficiency will directly impact your energy bills, making it more expensive to cool your home.

What Should You Do if You Think You Have a Refrigerant Issue?

Refrigerant issues are often easy to diagnose if you know what to look for. Here are some of the most common signs of refrigerant leaks:

• Abnormal sounds: If pressurized refrigerant vapor is leaking from your system, you might hear bubbling or hissing sounds coming from the inside or outside units.
• Freezing AC: When the refrigerant pressure falls below a certain point, it causes moisture in the air to cool rapidly and form ice on the components.
• Reduced performance: If you notice that your AC isn't cooling your home as well as it could, or your energy bills suddenly spike, you might be dealing with a leak. That said, there are many other reasons your AC could be experiencing performance issues.
• Visible leakage: Cooled liquid refrigerant might leak into the area around your unit, leaving behind a noticeable oily residue or stain.

If you notice any of the above, you might be dealing with a refrigerant leak. It's best to get an expert opinion to confirm this diagnosis, though, as a professional can help you determine whether your suspicion is correct.

Can You Repair Your HVAC System Yourself?

While homeowners with HVAC expertise may be able to make fixes themselves, it's almost always best to call a professional HVAC technician. They have the tools and training required to quickly and accurately diagnose the issue — and they might even be able to fix it on the spot!

Can You Retrofit Your Existing R410A System to Use R32?

While retrofitting an existing unit to be compatible with other refrigerants might seem like a smart way to save costs, it's actually a risky move. 

R410A systems are not built to handle flammable substances like R32, so treating R32 like an R410A replacement can have dangerous consequences for you, your home and your HVAC technician. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency is currently in the process of phasing out R410A in favor of more efficient refrigerants like R32. Switching to a new unit will help you save money and effort in the future when R410A systems are no longer supported.

Top Homeowner FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked refrigerant questions we've heard over the years.

How Can You Identify the Refrigerant Your System Uses?

Some of the places you can look for this information include:

• Owner's manual: You should be able to easily find which refrigerant type you need by reading your owner's manual.
• Label: Some HVAC units will have a label or nameplate on them that displays important product information, including the required refrigerant.
• Product specifications: If your unit doesn't have a label, or you can't find your owner's manual, you could try finding the product specs on the manufacturer's website.
• Manufacturer: Can't find any of the above? Try contacting the manufacturer to find out what they recommend.

If all else fails, consult with an HVAC professional who can safely and efficiently inspect your system.

What Should You Do if You Need to Replace Parts in an R32 System?

So, what steps should you take if your R32 AC unit is acting up? How do you ensure you can restore your system to working order? Repairs are usually your best bet for R32 AC units. Get in touch with a professional HVAC technician to take a look at the system and make the necessary fixes.

Why Trust Us?

Facts can be tough to find when there's so much misinformation out there. So, how do you know we're not just pulling your leg? Ingrams Water & Air has been in the industry since 2002, and we have a full team of experts who each bring their unique knowledge and experience to the table. We've maintained our A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau since 2004, and we've earned a 4.7 star rating on Google. Our mission is to give homeowners the help they need to overcome the most common HVAC issues — and our online resources are just one tool we use to accomplish that mission.

Keep Your Home Cool and Sustainable With an R32 HVAC System

Ultimately, R32 is not a suitable R410A alternative. The best advice we can give you is to invest in a new R32 system, especially since R410A is on its way out. That's where you can count on us. At Ingrams Water & Air, we provide our customers with the most reliable HVAC equipment we can — and it's all online for your convenience. We also carry various replacement parts and accessories so you can keep your AC running smoothly years into the future.