Like any other appliance at home, air conditioners need power and electricity to function. But apart from this, did you know that gas refrigerants are also needed to ensure air conditioning units work properly?
Yes, that’s right. These refrigerants are needed to absorb heat and provide — you guessed it — refrigeration to the aircon unit and its parts.
In the world of refrigerants, there are only two types used throughout the globe: R22 and R410A, also known as Freon and Puron respectively.
In this article, we’ll show you some of the very important features and differences between the two.
What is R-22?
R22, often referred to as Freon, is a colorless gas property that was commonly in both residential and commercial AC systems since the 1990s.
However, R-22 is no longer used for installing new air conditioning units and systems since being discontinued in 2010 by the EPA in compliance with the Clean Air Act of 2010. This is because R-22 is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon or HCFC, a material proven to be one of the many causes behind the depletion of the ozone layer.
Don’t be mistaken though — there are still a lot of existing AC systems today using R22 as their main refrigerant. It will have to take 10 more years before it goes completely obsolete for any HVAC system by 2030.
What is R-410A?
R-410A or Puron is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon blend that does not specifically harm the ozone layer. It’s a combination of three chemicals, with each one having a unique pressure and a different sized molecule.
Since it’s less harmful for the environment and better at absorbing and releasing heat, it’s now considered as the standard refrigerant for air conditioning systems. If you’re getting a new AC system, chances are it will come with this refrigerant type.
R-22 vs. R-410A: A Comparison Guide
1. Performance
When it comes to performance, R-410A is the better, safer and more efficient option. The refrigerant can absorb and release heat better than R22, making the AC compressor more likely to run cooler and avoid overheating. It can also endure high-pressure activities, enabling the aircon unit to withstand any performance-related damages.
Lastly, the R-410 is the proven choice for reducing ozone damage that can lead to global warming. R22 is known to cause rapid ozone depletion once it leaks, endangering the environment and people in close vicinity.
2. Oil
AC systems that use the R-410 refrigerant also use synthetic oil for lubrication, making it more efficient and poised to perform at its best shape. This is simply the better choice when compared to the R22 systems’ usage of mineral oil.
3. Price
Following the complete phase-out of R-22, it’s become a lot harder to find a company or a technician that can perform repairs and maintenance. And even if you can find one, the cost is significantly higher than that of a standard R-410 repair.
Singapore’s Leading AC Gas Top Up Service
If you’re looking to have your aircon refrigerant refilled, give us a call here at Luce Aircon! We offer a fast and easy top-up service that can fix your leaking problems and refill your refrigerant in an instant. For more details, check our aircon gas top up service or you contact us today to schedule your appointment!
