R410 refrigerant vs. r22?
Question:need a new central air unit. looked at so many getting more confuses. looking at 2 stage. Lennox, Carrier, American standard 4 ton
Answers:
r22 will be phased out in the next 20 years, due to the damage to ozone. 410 is the new replacement.
You have a choice at present concerning refrigerants. R-22 is proven technology. R - 410 is not a pollutant. Which is more important to you?
Consider Trane while you are at it. Trane purchased G.E.'s residential operation and didn't change much except the name. It is a good unit, not to say Lennox and Carrier are not. American Standard? I have never been real enthusiastic about the line, but it isn't junk exactly.
R-410A refrigerant is one of many replacement refrigerants that have been introduced over the last few years. This refrigerant runs at much higher pressures and temperatures. Naturally the manufacturers will tell you anything you want to hear in order to make a sale. R-22 refrigerant has been around for many years and will continue to be available until about 2020. Phase out will not start until that time. Parts and repairs for R-22 systems are less expensive than for other systems. There is also another problem with R-410A. Since it is a blend of refrigerants and the oils in the formula have different viscosities, if there is a leak in the system the refrigerants will leak out of the system at different rates leaving an imbalance in the physical properties of the refrigerant. This process is called fractionation. When this occurs you cannot simply add refrigerant to charge the system. First the system must be evacuated to recover the remaining refrigerant, next the leak must be fixed and finally the system is recharged. There are no simple fixes in a R-410A system. I am replacing the system on my house soon and will go with a 14 seer R-22 system.
American standard owns Trane so they're the same product,I would stay with 22 and as far as 2stage-they're much more efficient,will only use the amount of energy needed when called for....if you do use 410a,make sure your techs are qualified,seen some descent techs screw up bigtime with it.
Important, are you replacing the unit or the system. R410 is the current future in AC, it is not compatible with R22 coils or line sets. Would recommend the American Standard variable speed system if you are looking for reliablity. American Standard is the parent company of Trane.
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