Without refrigerants, there would neither be air conditioning nor refrigeration or freezing technology. Refrigerants are compounds in a liquid or gaseous state which absorb heat from the environment and in return provide air condition and other services. However, they need to be combined with components like compressors and evaporators for the same.
Let us first have a look at the three types of refrigerants and their general properties-
- Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
- Responsible for greenhouse effect
- The production ceased in 1994.
- Hydrocholofluorocarbons (HCFCs)
- Cause comparatively less damage to the ozone layer
- The complete phase-out is under process.
- g. R22
- Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
- Characterized by absence of chlorine atoms.
- Safer for ozone layer as compared to the other two.
- Have now successfully substituted HCFCs
- g. R410A, R134 etc.
There was an urgent call in the past to look into the various types of refrigerants and work for the elimination of those which emit CFCs in order to protect the ozone layer. However, with time the market has been taken over by the general assumption that all the refrigerants are indeed safe for the same. To fight the same and search for a better alternative, let us have a look at R22 vs R410A.
- Obsolete – One of the major difference between R22 and R410 refrigerants is that R22 is being gradually phased out in favour of R410A. Governments all over the world are prohibiting manufacturers from promoting R22. People are also becoming more aware and switching over to R410A.
- Oil – There is also a major difference between the two when it comes to the oil that is used in the compressors. While R22 uses mineral oil, R410A uses synthetic oil. Due to this very reason, the appliances that used R22 refrigerants need to be replaced when they are retrofitted or when their compressor fails. This can lead to heavy monetary loss as R410A cannot replace R22 in the same appliances.
- Displacement – Another reason why it is not possible to switch between R22 and R410A is that there is a vast difference in the heat carrying capacity of the two with that of R410A as low as 40%. The same will lead to a decrease in replacement while switching over and the motors of the device will burn out due to overloading. The motors can even lead to the failure of the entire air conditioning system due to the tripping of the breaker.
- Pressure – An R410A refrigerant requires as much as 60% more pressure to cool the air flowing through its tubes. Moreover, the increased pressure is also produced due to the presence of smaller tubes in an R410A system as compared to R22.
- Brand name – R22 is an obsolete technology and is gradually being phased out. It is commonly found by a brand name like Feron while R410A is a comparatively new technology and is found by a brand name like Puron.
- Energy Efficiency – One of the many advantages that R410A has over R22 is that is more energy efficient and absorbs and releases energy in a more efficient manner than R22.
- Cost – Since R22 is gradually being phased out, it will be harsher on your pocket as compared to the tougher, more durable and cheaper R410A.
These are the various points under R22 vs R410A. For multiple benefits like better productivity and performance, go for R410A refrigerants. One of the main reasons why people are shifting from R22 to R410A refrigerant is the growing concern for the depletion of the environment.