Can I Use R410A and R22 Refrigerant Together? - Ask the Expert Episode 115

In a new air conditioning system, does the refrigerant need to be the same in the unit and the air handler? In this episode, Dan Danowski helps to clarify the answer. Video Script Our first question today is from Dean, sent via Yahoo in America. Can I use an R410A condenser with an R22 air handler? No, you cannot. To make a short story long, R410A and R22 are refrigerants. They are both good refrigerants and they both work, but they have to be charged in the system at different pressures. R410A is a higher pressure system and R22 is a lower pressure system. Putting them together would be like putting two cats in a box and sending them down the stairs and they roll onto your teenage son that's been a little mouthy lately and the cats are still fighting and you say, "Run son!" but he doesn't. Have more questions? Just ask them in the comments below or on Facebook or on Twitter. 
Comments
Leave your comment
Your email address will not be published
Ryan
Loading...
hi , please tell me i replaced my 1,5 t outside unit with 2 t and is frozen,why? Thx Ryan
Dan Danowski
Loading...
A coil can build up ice due to being dirty or the refrigerant being low. Clean the coils, and if the problem recurs, have a technician inspect the condenser.
B Spencer
Loading...
I love how you so humorously get straight to the point. Even with your making a short story long. Lol
Tom
Loading...
I have an R22 Condesor and air-handler. My condensor needs to be replaced and the HVAC company I used basically said the same as what you're saying in that the I would have to replace the air-handler also because of the pressure difference between the R22 and 410. However, I spoke with a company called choicerefrigerants (choicerefrigerants.com) and they tell me that their 410 condensor can work with our existing R22 air-handler. What I was told and what their website says with regards to their condensor working with existing R22... "has nearly identical pressures to R22, allows for flexibility to pair with existing R22 interior coil and air-handlers" ... is this bogus or seriously not recommended?
Kyle
Loading...
Tom, I took a quick look at that site. What they're proposing might work. However, I'm not sure that what they say about 'saving money' is true. For example, their 3 ton 'Choice' condensing unit is about $200 more than our most expensive 3 ton air conditioner. It's about $400 more expensive than our cheapest one. Plus, they note that the cost of the special refrigerant you will need is not included (a typical R410A condenser is precharged). Which means you're adding on more expenses. Oh, and you'll also need to buy refrigerant for your existing air handler, since I don't believe you would be able to mix R-22 with their particular R410A equivalent. At the end of the day, you might come out one or two hundred bucks ahead with the 'Choice' system. I don't think it's bogus. It's legitimate. I'm just not convinced you will actually save money.
Marvin Hester
Loading...
Can I mix 401 with 407c freon
Kyle
Loading...
We do not recommend mixing different types of refrigerant.
Nimra hkan
Loading...
A man claimed to change ac to inverter n change its gas into r410a instead of r22 .is it true sir ?
Kyle
Loading...
A person who claimed to be able to transform R410A into R22 would most likely be lying.
Bud
Loading...
What is the operating pressure of R410A ?
Kyle
Loading...
A typical R-410A system with the same condensing temperature of 120 degrees and a 45 degree evaporator saturation temperature will have a high side pressure of 418 psig and a low side pressure of 130 psig.
Robert Barlow
Loading...
Can you evacuate a r22 central air unit and refill with r134a
Kyle
Loading...
R134A has been approved in some applications as a replacement for R22. It does require an oil change.
Ankit Kumar
Loading...
I am using R22 in a R410a 1.5 ton split system, and it is working somehow.Can you tell what will be most effective pressure in that case for r22? I am using it at 85 psi.
Kyle
Loading...
I am sorry, but I have no information for using the wrong refrigerant in a system. Our best guess would be 75, but that is just a guess. That gives approx the same temp as R410A in normal operation. Best of luck.
Jim crowley
Loading...
I have a carrier infinity tm 19 heat pump with puron. It resantly started low stage lock out.(4hours) the repair man cant explain why. Recomends replaceing the unit. It is 13 years old. Can you explain what causes the lock out and is it fixable.
Kyle
Loading...
It is hard to say what the problem might be. There are a number of things that can cause a 'low stage lockout' on an Infinity heat pump. What is more worrying is that your repair man can't explain why. Even if the tech doesn't know what is wrong, they should be able to get on the phone with Carrier's support team to figure out what it is. You may want to get a second opinion.
eliza b
Loading...
The compressor in our 13 year old 3-ton Lennox R22 AC condenser is broken. We have 3 options on the table...what would you pick? A. Repair the compressor with a well known company for $4500, but know that R22 refrigerant is expensive ($110/lb and ours takes 6lbs) and scarce for any potential future problems. Can't get any additional repair quotes from other companies unless I pay for a service visit - that's what all companies are saying. B. Replace the entire unit (condenser and air handler) with a lesser known company for $6800 (Rheem brand, 410A) and they can do it next week C. Replace the entire unit (condenser and air handler) with a well known company for ~10k (Bosch heat pump system or Lennox AC 410A) and it could take anywhere from 2-4 weeks. Is there a 4th option? Is it possible to just replace the outdoor condenser with a 410A that's not a heat pump if the air handler is fine?
Kyle
Loading...
You have an R-22 system right now. Simply replacing the outside condenser with an R-41A condenser could work, but it depends on your air handler. And you would need someone to clean it out thoroughly, reclaim the R-22, etc. Your real 4th option is to buy an R-410A split system of similar specifications and size to your own online (from us or someone like us). I'm not sure what size you need, but we have Bosch variable-speed heat pumps and similar products all available for way less than $10k. Our most expensive Bosch system, air handler and condenser, is a 5 ton system that retails at $5,965.62. We also have comparable products for even cheaper than that. Basically, buying the equipment online and finding a local installer is the cheapest option.
Tony M. Castellano
Loading...
I have an old unit. It blowa good air but not cold. What could be wrong with it
Kyle
Loading...
If it's old, it's probably low on refrigerant.
Stan Duffy
Loading...
We only run our old system maybe 10 times a year. It IS old though (about 30 yrs). It got hot here in CA recently and when I turned on the A/C the outside unit turned on and a few seconds later turned off again. It now does that constantly - never on for more than a few seconds and then off for a few seconds. I had someone check it out and they say the pressure is low and this means there has bee a leak of freon. Because the old freon is tough to get (and very expensive) he recommended replacing the whole system and has quoted me $17,500 for a 5 ton unit for our 3,000 sq ft home. When I went online to check pricing of complete systems Including the furnace it looks like the hardware should only be around $4,000 Any advice? The old system was working fine before this on-off thing started.
Kyle
Loading...
That story is fairly common. Lots of previous generation refrigerants are impossible or really hard to find. When you can find them, they're expensive. You can definitely find equipment cheaper online. Lots of folks buy equipment online from sites like ours, then find a local installer who will put it in for them. It happens everyday all across the country.
brian
Loading...
Kyle..you should try some of the stuff i try...loosen up man. everything i work on is out of warranty anyway..its fixable junk. so a recently did a true commercial freezer repair. used a r-22 scroll to replace a Hermetic 404a in the end i replaced the gas with a very limited shot of 410a into a fresh vacuumed system the results were fantastic..-20 in the freezer. the system is a cap tube system so no txv is involved the compressor never heats above lukewarm. there is no reason for 410 to mix with the oil or send the oil higher in the system. its Poe. its designed to saty in the compressor. all designed pressures on all systems is rated at 550lbs even a r-12 9the blow valves are rated at 550 on r12.......and as a second safety device thermal overloads and super heats all kick in before any ruptures. (i find people who say 410 will blow up everything hilarious). 410 runs at about 280-290 psi area. complete changeable gas with r-22-404-407 yes i am a old uaw man.....i build a lot of stuff.. and most of my stuff lasts longer than the manufactures who school the kids all wrong info... .032 wall copper can even do 550lbs.
Linda
Loading...
I have a unit that used r22. It had a leak and the tech put 401 in it. That leaked out. Can I go back to r22( found some) without it messing the unit up?Will it affect the expansion valve?
Dan Danowski
Loading...
The safest thing to do would be to pull all refrigerant, then recharge with R22 only.
Cassandra Tennon
Loading...
I have 2 AC units, one unit (downstairs) needs replacement. They’re both old systems using R22. If the broken unit is replaced with a newer model using (R410 system) will that work (1 R22/1- R410) or do both systems need to be relaxed and why?
Dan Danowski
Loading...
That depends on what you mean when you say "2 AC units". If you mean two separate complete systems, then they would not interact and one could run R22 while the other ran R410A. If you mean a split system with one indoor air handler and one outdoor condenser, then, no, they would both need to operate on the same refrigerant.
Somser
Loading...
Sir i am Bangladeshi , but working middle east ,pls sir u tell me r22 gas air-condition , what i can refill r410 , same pressure if i will put same pressure r22 .any problem.
Dan Danowski
Loading...
R-410A and R-22 do not operate the same pressure. We do not recommend mixing them.
stan schloss
Loading...
Question: We have an 40 yr. old furnace with similar age a/c condenser. We are replacing the furnace to include an evaporator coil. We do not plan to use the old a/c with the new coil. Can we install a new condenser to the evaporator coil at a later time if we haven't operated the old condenser? Thank you for taking my question
Rebekah Muller
Loading...
It would be the best idea to replace the entire system at once, so it all gets done at the same time and no efficiency is compromised.
Wendy Brock
Loading...
We have a unit that needs a charge every year or so. It was charged in January and at the time the technician offered to put a sealant in it but didn't have any. Another technician from the same company finally came 2 months later and put the sealant in. Three weeks later the unit quit cooling. He determined it needed a new coil and told me it would be very expensive due to the R22 refrigerant. However, today I noted the tag said R410. Could the compressor failure be due to putting the wrong coolant in it (if he did) or the sealant. It's a Goodman unit circa 2009. We also got a quote from the same company for a new Trane unit (we bought one from them last year) and the quote was $!600 higher than last year. :-( I am getting competitive quotes.
Rebekah Muller
Loading...
It is possible. Depending on what you need, you'll be able to find full systems at https://iwae.com/shop/heating-air-conditioning/full-systems/central-split-systems/. You can also give us a call at 270-575-9595 so that we can assist you in purchasing the best unit for your needs.
OloriAdeleke Sotinwa
Loading...
Can I use an R410 evaporator system to combine an r22 condenser system?
Rebekah Muller
Loading...
Please give us a call at 270-575-9595 as quickly as you possibly can.
OloriAdeleke Sotinwa
Loading...
Pls i want you to put me through on this, how can I discharge the old gas in my ac compressor?
Rebekah Muller
Loading...
Please give us a call at 270-575-9595 as quickly as you possibly can.
Larry Crain
Loading...
I accidentally put some R22 into my split mini and, so far, the two cats are doing just fine?
Roy
Loading...
The question was not about mixing refrigerants the question was about all R22 or all 410A a compressor compressor has a condenser condenses the only difference between R22 and 410A systems is 410A has better compressors and more evaporator and condensing coil space
Debbie Caliban
Loading...
I have an old air conditioner. I just had it cleaned and check; according to service man it should be at 58, it’s at 56. It use R 22. Cost to refill with that is 424.99. Can I have another type; R4226 orR 407c
Rebekah Quarles
Loading...
Please contact your HVAC professional, or give us a call at 270-575-9595.
cheapest cialis online
Loading...
Hi all, here every one is sharing such knowledge, so it's fastidious to read this website, and I used to visit this website every day.
bruce mason
Loading...
I thought the cats analogy was clever and to the point, without having to diagram complex carbon bonds.
Kyle
Loading...
Thanks, Bruce!
Keith Connolly
Loading...
My r22 compressor went out. It was made in 2002. My evap coil is 410 and was installed 2012. The guy wants to get a 410 condenser and reuse my r22 in the system. Will this work?
Kyle
Loading...
If I understand correctly, the technician wants to use R22 in an R410A system? If that is correct, then NO THAT CANNOT BE DONE. The operational characteristics of an R22 compressor are different that an R410A compressor. However, he could flush the lines and the coil and change the metering device in the coil and use the R410A that comes in a new condenser.
Coolbreeze
Loading...
The question on this topic was can I use a 410A condensing unit with his R-22 air handler., it can be done bye recovering the 410 out of the condensing unit, and changing the high and low pressure switches to operate for an R22 pressure, and use r407c refrigerant. I have done this multiple times with no issues. Second question I seen was to use R22 back in a 410 unit, that would be no, due to the fact of the 410 unit is p o e oil, R22 uses mineral oil.
Billy
Loading...
I guess I'm lost with the cat story... were the medical charges for repairing the damage to your son more than the cost of a new HVAC system?
Kyle
Loading...
Tragically, they were, Billy Bob. But the lesson the boy learned was priceless.
Brian Mackey
Loading...
Hello. I would like to upgrade my A/C unit from R22 to 410A. Can I just replace my Copeland CR28K6-PFV-230 to a compressor that will handle 410A. I was going to dump the oil out and upgrade that as well. Is there a compressor conversion for doing this?
Kyle
Loading...
I am sorry but what you describe cannot be done. The R22 systems were not tested or rated for the higher operating temperatures of R410A, so there would be a significant risk of parts failures. In addition to the compressor, the metering device is different for R410A. The least expensive way to convert to R410A is to flush the lines, replace the coil and the condenser with compatible units of equivalent capacity to what you have.
Terry jeffries
Loading...
My inside r22 unit went out , my outside r22 unit is good , the guy insalled a 410a unit inside an flushed it , change the pressure vale an filled it back with r22 freon , not it seats really bad an is running on my floor ,! Wats my problem ?? Thanks terry
Kyle
Loading...
Without being able to inspect and run diagnostics it is difficult to say. In general I would check to see that the charge is correct by subcooling, or it could be that the old unit was just not working properly. It could also be that if you have excessive condensation it may be a result of the unit having to deal with very high humidity in the house and it may take some time to lower the humidity level. I would also want to make sure that the condensation drain trap is configured correctly on the new coil. Wish I could be more specific!
Mark
Loading...
how can you determine what pressure you need to use when refilling a room ac r410a
Kyle
Loading...
The manufacturer should detail the correct operating pressure in the product literature.
Thomas C Reese
Loading...
I have a Out unit that uses 410 a my coil is leaking in my handler. I found a coil that uses R 22 can I use this coil
Kyle
Loading...
Basically, the question is can you replace a leaking air handler in an R-410a system with a coil that uses R-22? You can't use an R-410a condenser and an R-22 air handler in the same system when one is using one refrigerant and the other another. That would be a recipe for disaster. However, if the new coil is compatible with both R-22 and R-410a, it could work with an R-410a condenser so long as R-410a was the only refrigerant in the system.
Marc
Loading...
I have a split geothermal system the main unit for the lower level and basement uses r22 and the attic unit uses 410a . Shouldn’t they be the same?
Kyle
Loading...
They should not be the same. R-410a and R-22 cannot function simultaneously in the same coils and compressor. Now, if you have two separate geothermal units for two different parts of your home, that is different.
Andrew
Loading...
Is there any other refridgerant besides R22 that can be used to top off an R22 unit?
Kyle
Loading...
If the R22 unit is under warranty - not really. Otherwise “Nu-22” (or one of the other R22 replacements) has been used by technicians to “top off” R22 systems.
Dan Gostola
Loading...
I accidentally mix r410a with r22 can I vac it down and put back r22 with no issues
Kyle
Loading...
Yes- if you pull everything out and evacuate the system, then recharge with the correct refrigerant you will be fine - UNLESS the unit ran for a period of time with the wrong refrigerant. That would be bad.
Jakob Janis
Loading...
Hi! I’m looking out for my father who accidentally put R-410A refrigerant in a R22 System. He only put some in until realizing what he did. The air conditioner no longer runs and we need to get the gas sucked out in the next two days. Nobody is available to take the gas out for us. Is there a way we can do it ourselves?
Kyle
Loading...
So long as the unit was not operated with both R-22 and R-410a in the system, you should be able to evacuate the refrigerant, re-charge it correctly, and hope for the best. However, if you are not properly trained to do so, we would not recommend that you attempt this.
Gerald Thompson
Loading...
What can I mix with R22 freon in my home system?? I only need to add a pound or 2 to top it off!!
Kyle
Loading...
We would not recommend mixing refrigerants in an HVAC system.
john
Loading...
could you please suggest a good link that explains how to correctly recharge or top off an R600a refrigerator. thanx. john
Kyle
Loading...
I am not an expert on R600a. The only resource I found for R600a that I seemed knowledgeable is an Electrolux technical support document that you can find <a href="http://www.service.electrolux.com/train/Documents/FaultDiaR600a.pdf" rel="nofollow">here</a>. This support documentation is intended for use by service technicians in Europe, so that must be kept in mind. I would also advise you to work with a licensed professional to service any system using R600a or another refrigerant.
Daniel
Loading...
I believe everyone to use full of crap nobody can come up with a layman’s terms you always have to put in stupid words that don’t mean anything It’s all about money
Yoel
Loading...
Hi I have a small question about R134a Is it possible to put in the vehicle R410a instead of R134a Thanks
Kyle
Loading...
The only way to know that would be to consult your vehicle's service manual.
joe
Loading...
company put 410 a coil in split system 22r 0ne year ago compressor not cool[ng because of lower 22r pressure what should be done
Kyle
Loading...
You should find a reliable technician to examine the unit. They will be able to give you a variety of options to remedy the problem. One possible solution is to replace the R-410a with an alternative refrigerant that operates at pressures similar to R-22, but is non-ozone depleting.
Mrs smith
Loading...
I'm trying to cut big pieces of copper I'm thinking is there any type of solution spray to place on the copper like freon to freeze it and hit it to crumble or break into pieces... Thank u
Kyle
Loading...
I don't know of any solution like that. I would recommend you use something like a copper tubing cutter. Barring that, a clamp and the right hacksaw should do the trick.
Promise
Loading...
But please I have a big problem, help me. My LG air conditioner carries r20 which r22 was manufactured to replace and the r20 is not in existence and no way to be found. What should I do. My plan was to flush the condenser then fill in r22 refrigerant.
Kyle
Loading...
You're right in that it would definitely be hard to find R-20 in the US. However, R-22 is also be phased out, and will be similarly difficult to find very soon. It may be time to start thinking about a replacement.
bruce adamson
Loading...
Hi Dan, What refrigerant is best for a dehumidifier & which one will prolong the appliances life span ?? R134a or R410a. I heard one runs cooler than the other & prolongs the life of the dehumidifier !! Is that true? If you had to buy a new dehumidifier which refrigerant would you choose for longevity ?? Thanks
Kyle
Loading...
Hi, Bruce. To the best of our knowledge, R134A is generally considered better for dehumidifiers. The physical properties of the refrigerant determine what temperature range it can perform best. The two are NOT interchangeable- the equipment must be designed for the specific refrigerant.
Ed Kimbrough
Loading...
I have a 2002 Monaco Windsor motorhome.My 15000 BTU air conditioner compressor locked up. It was working fine until that happened. Is there a compressor that I can use to replace this one with? The Complete air conditioner is over $1,500. I am certified and able to service most air conditioners. I have enough R22 to service the system after repair.
Steven
Loading...
Give our tech support a call and they should be able to help you find a compressor that will work for your air conditioner. 270-575-9595 extension 300
William Allen
Loading...
I work as a maintenance man in a homeless shelter and one of my AC units is low of freon. This one calls for R-422b and all my other units take R-401. Is R-401 compatible with R-422b?
Kyle
Loading...
Unfortunately, those refrigerants are not compatible. They must be charged at different pressures. There are also differences in the oil that they use.
BDR
Loading...
I'm just curious you say not to blend refrigerants, but yet espouse refrigerants 407 404 410a when you get into the science of these they are manufacture blended gases. the back yard guys can do just as good as the manufacture by blending gases....the manufacture guys build stuff to fail at 5 year mark roughly 2 years after the warranty. I do agree r-410a and the new 1234 stuff are extreme pressures....they are good gases but the pressures cause compressor failure no matter who builds it. the best gas out there for the cheepo's is 134a.....it has low pressure but only 60% the cooling ability of 410a......134a will do the job. 134a takes 40% it takes longer to do the same work as 410a but the pump lasts longer because of the lower pressures. for the other gasses r-22 replacement some suggest r-290 or propane....this may not be legal in America but it sure is in Europe. 290 is really cold stuff, and the pump last longer with 290. in my opinion i haven't found much difference between Poe oil verse Pve oils mixing....as long as the evap fan cools the compressor you should not have oil failure. also what ive found is hype about 410 going into systems not designed for 410.......if your smart you can downsize the amount of 410 going into a system not designed for the gas. you just have to use the PT chart and temp of the day and fiddle with the filling ounces to stay inside your rated pressures you'll be fine. after all we all did the changeover from r-12 to 134a........we did the same thing...the suggested filling ounces was not what we used to refill a system. Just was wondering what your thought are....about backyard guys.....we cant do any worse than the manufactured crap.....their stuff fails constantly right out of the box.
Kyle
Loading...
From a sales company perspective, we discourage that sort of thing, since, at the very least, it voids the product warranty. I am sure there are experienced, non-industry folks out there who can do that sort of thing, and do so. However, it is not something we want to promote to the average homeowner or even the average handyman.
REX
Loading...
IS THERE A FREON THAT WILL MIX WITH R22
Kyle
Loading...
As far as we know, there are not any EPA-approved refrigerants to mix with R22.
Copyright © 1988-2025 Ingrams Water & Air Equipment, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Ingrams is a trademark of Ingrams Water & Air.