R-410A Frequently Asked Questions
R-410A is a new, chlorine-free refrigerant that meets the Environmental Protection Agency’s most stringent environmental guidelines. Because it lacks chlorine in its chemical composition, it does not pose the ozone-depleting risk found in other refrigerants such as R-22.
Why should you choose R-410A over R-22?
In addition to minimizing environmental impact, choosing units with R-410 refrigerant also avoids expected costs and availability issues with R-22. As R-22 is phased out, supplies will become limited and costs in similar situations have risen dramatically. In addition, servicing and component costs are anticipated to increase as R-22 becomes obsolete.
How much more expensive will R-22 become?
Much depends on market conditions, most notably supply and demand. While it isn’t possible to predict exactly what prices may be, one relevant example is how the cost of another refrigerant was affected when it was phased out. In 1995, R-12 refrigerant used in automobile air conditioners was phased out. From 1990 to 1997, the cost of R-12 rose 650%. Since 2004, R-22 pricing has increased over 364% while R-410A pricing has decreased by approximately 25%. Current market pricing for R-22 is higher than pricing for R-410A.
How efficient are R-410A units?
R-410A units represent the latest technology, meeting increased efficiency standards that are significantly higher than the previous generation of units that use R-22. Since R-410A can absorb and release heat more efficiently than R-22, compressors with R-410A run cooler than R-22 systems, reducing the risk of burnout due to overheating.
What are the regulation changes relating to R-410A?
The U.S. Clean Air Act, 1990 and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 mandate the production phaseout of R-22 air conditioning equipment by January 1, 2010. In addition, production caps for R-22 and like refrigerants will be reduced:
- By 2010, there will be a 75% reduction.*
- By 2015, there will be a 90% reduction.*
- By 2020, there will be a 99.5% reduction.*
* The Montreal Protocol 19th Meeting of the Parties, Montreal Canada, http://ozone.unep.org/highlights.shtml, September 12-21, 2007 and in accordance with the U.S. Clean Air Act and Canadian Environmental Protection Act.
