Refrigerant Retrofit

The EPA Has Taken A Dramatic Step To Curtail The Supply of R-22 Refrigerant

What does that mean to consumers? Is it time for a refrigerant retrofit? With decreased supply comes significant price increases. At the current market rate of consumption, some are speculating that R-22 will not be available through this summer.

However, there are options. The recent reduction by the EPA has sparked a renewed interest in R-22 retrofit solutions and Air-Tro is uniquely qualified to provide you the technical support needed to evaluate these new products and find the best possible solution.

 

Four Basic Options for R-22 Retrofit:

 

1. Recharge leaking system with R-22

Uses the same refrigerant as existing; no retrofit is necessary. The only option for R-22 systems running on flooded evaporators; no retrofit blends are suitable for these systems.

Due to obsolescence, it may be price prohibitive and the product might not be available

2. Replace the system with an R-410A system

R-410A (an HFC hydrofluorocarbon) represents the industry standard in commercial and residential air conditioning refrigerants. And, is substantially more efficient than older, outdated HCFC refrigerants. However, R-410A is not a drop-in replacement for R-22. That is to say, R-410A systems offer the most efficiency and greatest equipment warranties.

Compatibility of metering devices/refrigerant-piping sizes. R-410A operates at a higher pressure and metering devices and refrigerant line sizes may have to be adjusted. All high and low side components need to be replaced. Different gauges are required when checking pressures/servicing this equipment.

3. Retrofit the system with a pure HFC refrigerant

Refrigerants like R-407C are non-ozone-depleting hydrofluorocarbon-based refrigerants for the replacement of R-22. Close performance match to R-22; R-22 gauge sets can be used.

Requires change to POE lubricant. In retrofitting an existing air conditioning system, we recommend changing service valve cores. This prevents leaks from the black rubber seal. This is for any R-22 retrofit to an HFC blend and not specific to R-407C.

4. Retrofit the system to a Hydrofluorocarbon (HFCF) blend

Refrigerants such as R-438A and R-422D are versatile R-22 replacement refrigerants for replacing R-22 in direct expansion air conditioning and refrigeration systems. They are non-ozone depleting HFC refrigerants and offer comparable performance to R-22 with no major equipment changes required. Compatible with existing mineral oil or alkylbenzene oil and no change of lubricant is required for most cases. R-22 gauge sets can be used and R-438A and R-422D is compatible with existing system materials.

Not designed for semi-hermetic compressors or for systems with mixed metering devices. In retrofitting an existing air conditioning system, material compatibility and the condition of the existing seals and gaskets must be taken into account.

R-22 Retrofit Solutions

Below, we’ve outlined 3 retrofit solutions categorized by good, better, and best.

GOOD

Product: R-422B
System Compatibility: Near Drop-In for systems without a liquid receiver
Lubricant Compatibility: Works with mineral, AB or POE oil
Component Compatibility: Like all HFC’s o-rings and elastomers should be replaced
Expansion Device Compatibility: No TXV change. Marginally sized fixed orifices may need to be evaluated
Capacity Relative to R-22: 85% at 105f condensing temperature
Heat Pump Considerations: Lower discharge temperature may impact heating performance
Zero ODP-HFC Refrigerant: YES
ASHRAE A1/A1 Rated: Non-flammable, Non-toxic

BETTER

Product: R-438A/R-422D
System Compatibility: Near Drop-In for systems without a liquid receiver
Lubricant Compatibility: Works with mineral, AB or POE oil
Component Compatibility: Like all HFC’s o-rings and elastomers should be replaced
Expansion Device Compatibility: No TXV change. Marginally sized fixed orifices may need to be evaluated
Capacity Relative to R-22: 94% at 105f condensing temperature
Heat Pump Considerations: Lower discharge temperature may impact heating performance
Zero ODP-HFC Refrigerant: YES
ASHRAE A1/A1 Rated: Non-flammable, Non-toxic

BEST

Product: R-407C
System Compatibility: Closest capacity match with some system change required
Lubricant Compatibility: Requires 20% POE oil
Component Compatibility: Like all HFC’s o-rings and elastomers should be replaced
Expansion Device Compatibility: No TXV adjustment or fixed orifice change needed
Capacity Relative to R-22: 99% at 105f condensing temperature
Heat Pump Considerations: Similar discharge temperature and heating performance
Zero ODP-HFC Refrigerant: YES – lowest GWP solution
ASHRAE A1/A1 Rated: Non-Flammable, Non-Toxic

Questions? Contact Air-tro at 626-357-3535 to speak with a refrigerant retrofit specialist and get the technical support you need to evaluate these new products and find the best possible solution.