R-22 has been used as the “standard” refrigerant for many years, but has been found to be harmful to our planet by our government. The EPA has established the phase out of the old HCFC R-22 refrigerant with no production or importation beginning in 2020.  Manufacturers of air conditioning equipment must phase out the use of HCFC R-22 in new equipment by January 1, 2010.   Manufacturers have already started this process and are building specially designed systems that utilize  R-410a.  R-410a is used be several manufactures under various trade names such as Puron and Prozone.

     The newly designed R-410a systems employ thicker walled tubing, newly developed compressors and components, and a different oil that requires diverse installation and service procedures.  Choosing a contractor is more important then ever when working with the new refrigerant.  If the appropriate procedures are not followed, the performance and longevity of the equipment will be effected. 

 

     Prices for the old R-22 will gradually go up as the next few years go by but should not be outrageous for a long time. What it really boils down to is that if you install a new R-22 air conditioning system in the year 2004 you will be able to get refrigerant for your system at least until the year 2020. You need to be aware that when a system is changed over to R-410a we will need to change the condenser (outdoor unit), the evaporator coil and the refrigerant copper line set in most cases. 

 

     More in depth information on working with R-410a can be found here.  The Essentials of Working With R-410a