I'm going to upgrade my AC, probably to a 13 or 14 SEER. Is is best to just stick with the R22 in this case? When will R22 become more expensive than R410? From what I understand the units are similar in price, so that shouldn't be an issue.
If I do stick with R22, is there any need to replace the lineset? It's
15 years old? The compressor hasn't failed though, so no contamination in that regard.
R22 refrigerant will be manufactured until 2020. They amount made will drop annually, but it will still be made. The equipment using R22 will no longer be made after 2010.
If the lines are sized properly, they shouldn't need replacement if you go back with R22. If you go with R410a, you should have them replaced.
The Installers I've worked with on my last two projects were pretty much in the Majority of going with the new R410a. There were a few Old Timers that tried to convince me that R410a is crap and they don't install it, though I think it was that they were not a certified R410a installer and didn't want to get up to speed. The Bigger companies and the newer companies only installed R410a. If you really wanted the R22 they would.
If you have to tear into walls and its going to cost you a bit to get it in the wall, etc, then you might want to stick with R22, if you have easy access to the lineset its not going to be that much to run a new one for the R410a
Scott Do you think it would be wise to switch over to 410?
Is it not the case that newly made compressors are DESIGNED to work the R410a refrigerant formula, and that using the R22 formula MAY cause damage to the compressor?
Scott Townsend wrote:
Its nothing to do with the compressor(yes they are designed for specific refrigerants).... its everything to do with the incompatability of the oils and refrigerants.
Companys are driven not by what is right, but the bottom line.
Are R410a's more expensive? If so, then the profit margin would be higher.
Do the math. :p
tom
Its a UNIT, not a compressor. The compressor does not care what refrigerant is in it, or what oil is in it. You can have one compressor that can handle 5 different refrigerants, but R410A is NOT compatable with the oil in R22 units. How do you think the compressor gets lubed? Its not magic, its by transfer and compatability of the oil in the unit.
R22 units are still being made. They didnt dissapear. I can get up to 16SEER now in R22 and if thats what the person wants, after looking at both quotes, thats what he gets. Fine with me, since R22 is getting higher and higher, its his wallet, not mine. You go with what you feel comfortable with in your home. No ones complaining about R410A units when they are installed right. and they install very similar to R22 units, it is when the unit has to be opened after the install that REALLY matters.
Right now, Im getting 410A units for about the same price, but thats not the point. You are thinking here and now pricing, not what it will cost in 4 or
5 years to repair it when it fails, and they DO fail. Smart money is on R410A, and those that are going with R22 are going to be surprised if the installer/repair tech in a few years is not using NU22 or something similar, as the price of R22 is going up daily. R410A prices are dropping.R410A...its not crap. Its different, and those that are not trained in it dont have a clue. They only know what they think they know, and not the facts.
Nope...you can not run R22 in a system designed for 410a..look up on google how a unit is lubed, and how the refrigerant used, will determine the type of oil used. I figure in a couple more years, we are going to start to see all types of failures from idiots putting R22 in R410 systems, EVEN THOUGH the units are clearly marked.
No. R22 is superior to R410 in every physical respect. The only issue is availability of R22, which is to be artificially restricted by men with guns (i.e., the gummint), not by the market. But this is not supposed to happen for longer than your system today will last.
Go to epatest.com and get an EPA license and stock up on R-22 while it is still legal. The people who did this with R-12 in 1992 made a fortune, buying at $1/lb and reselling 5 or 10 years later for $50/lb.
With systems already being designed for the likes of NU22, Im not sure this will be the case this time.
And it wasnt the case with R 12 either. Its a simple matter to convert over to an alternative. Once 12 prices went through the roof we just converted to something else. Not a big deal.
what you seem to be overlooking is the bazillions of existing commercial and residentail systems that DO contain R-22.
Do you think that all this gas will be vented? Burned or destroyed? Not recovered & reclaimed?
And what about the countries that havent signed on board the Montreal Protocol? I'll bet they have gazillions more systems running r-22, until hell freezes over.
Kinda like all those vehicles with R12?
Ok...point taken...
But...
Look up NU22, from ICOR.
Why do you say it is superior physically? How so?
Wise? Your call.
I will NOT have R410a in my house until I have NO OTHER choice. Personal opinion.
R22 will be around for 14 more years. Before it's all gone, I think (feel, hope, pray) there will be a better choice than R410a.
And if anyone's wondering, that's the last I will say on this, so don't ask questions about why I won't have R410a in my house.
I emailed my potential contractor (sales guy) with questions about switching over and replacing the lineset. The installation manager called me back within a short period of time and gave me some helpful info on this:
Well, it was a pleasure talking to a professional who took the time to explain things thoroughly. I look forward to receiving their quote in the mail.
HeatMan wrote:
Because he is an idiot.
When R22 is no longer 'availiable' your local drug smuggler will be happy to get you some.... ;)
Thermodynamic efficiency. Operating pressure.
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