Can You Change R-22 Refrigerant into R-410A Refrigerant? - Ask the Expert Episode 217

Today's question is from Nimra. "A man claimed to change AC to inverter and changed its gas from R-22 refrigerant into R-410A refrigerant. Is it true sir?" Maybe they are talking about a variable speed DC inverter unit. There are variable speed DC inverters. They are real systems. A number of companies use them. We've got the MRCOOL Universal and Bosch makes them as well. But in terms of changing the gas from R-22 refrigerant into R-410A refrigerant, I don't know what you really mean. If you are asking if he changed one to the other, the answer is no. You can't change the chemical composition of the gas. You would need like a lab or something, and that seems unnecessarily expensive. Now, he could have changed a system from running R-22 to R-410A. That could be possible. There are some systems that were designed to use both. If you have more questions, be sure to leave them in the comments below!
Comments
Leave your comment
Your email address will not be published
Dave G
Loading...
So I'm evaluating an old R-22 2 ton AC split unit with a gas furnace. Furnace & evaporator appear to be OK, condensing unit looks terrible and at minimum want to replace this component. What are your thoughts on R421A, R422B or other "drop-in" R-22 replacements, and do you sell condensers that support this or equivalent refrigerants? I've read that once R-22 is recovered from system, these can be used with similar operating properties as R-22.
Kyle
Loading...
Unfortunately, no one manufactures condensers compatible with R22 or its substitutes. Most condensers these days use R410A, and those compressors are not compatible with R22. You might be able to find a used R22 condenser. However, it's probably a better idea to just replace the air handler and condenser with new units.
Bill Byerly
Loading...
Do you have to swap out the line set to convert from R22 to 410A? Line set runs from ground level to 3rd floor mechanical closet and is currently in the wall and would be unsightly running up outside of wall. Also, is there size (dia) limitations? Thanks, Bill
Dan Danowski
Loading...
You do not have to swap out the line set. If the lines are in good condition, they should be able to be flushed and reused.
Copyright © 1988-2024 Ingrams Water & Air Equipment, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Ingrams is a trademark of Ingrams Water & Air.