Since the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has decided that the most common hydrochlorofluorocarbon refrigerant, R-22, which has been in use for many decades, is harmful to the environment, it has worked hard on phasing it out, with a plan for an eventual total ban by the year 2030.
The phase-out of R-22 started in 2010, and a further phase out occurred in 2015. By 2020, the use of this refrigerant will be limited severely; by 2030, it will become completely illegal. As more and more consumers work on ensuring their equipment and refrigerant-based machinery will continue to work in industrial, residential, and business worksites, they have been searching for cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly Freon alternatives. To assist consumers ready to phase out R-22, here is a list of the replacements regarded as better r22 coolant replacements from Blueon.
1. R-134A
This is a haloalkane refrigerant with thermodynamic properties. It is known as Norflurane, which is commonly known as R-134A. It is made from one component and not blended like many of the R-22 and R-12 alternatives. Due to this, working with this refrigerant will not require using multiple recovery machines. The EPA regulations state that any product that recycles or uses a blend will need separate tools for every component.To date, R-134 is the only alternative refrigerant approved to retrofit the R-12 air-conditioning systems found in vehicles. Yet retrofitting must always follow the correct procedures to prevent safety hazards or other issues.
R-134A is regarded as a better alternative for the environment, as some experts suggest that the effects on the ozone layer are insignificant or highly minimal. Individual companies claim this product has an Ozone Depletion Potential of 0. Some countries are still trying to convince and have started to phase this refrigerant out. However, it is still one of the refrigerants available in the US and can even be purchased in most auto shops or automotive departments of many big-box stores.
2. R-407C
Due to its thermodynamic properties, which correspond closely to what is available in R-22, R-407C has become a common type of replacement refrigerant for consumers looking to retrofit R-22 equipment.This blend of hydrofluorocarbons includes difluoromethane, pentafluoroethane, and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane. This is one of the alternative refrigerants that is widely accepted and accessible for use in ductless split systems, water chillers, and packaged air-conditioners, along with indirect expansion and light air-conditioning systems located in industrial, commercial, and residential properties. R-407 is an alternative refrigerant that works in the medium-temperature systems.
R-407C is utilized in many newly manufactured appliances. Equipment that uses nitrogen as the holding charge is highly compatible with R-407C due to the polyol-ester oil. While this refrigerant is more common in new refrigeration systems and appliances, R-407C can be retrofitted in specific R-22 systems, provided these procedures involve changing the oil.
This is one of the alternatives to Freon, and it is regarded as safer for the environment due to its Ozone Depletion Potential of 0. It comes in drums and cylinders and is available through reputable refrigerant and gas suppliers.
3. R-404A
One of the other acceptable alternatives to R-22, which has become widely accepted, is R-404A, which also has an Ozone Depletion Potential of zero. This is the type of refrigerant that is commonly used in refrigeration systems which require temperatures that range between -45° C and 15° C. It is widely used in industrial and commercial transport industries for its extended temperature range.The refrigerant's composition is also similar to R-22 and, in some cases, provides improved performance. Because R-404A does not react rapidly to water or oil, it has been classified as safe for a variety of uses. It is also odorless, colorless, and non-flammable.
However, similar to any other type of refrigerant, technicians should practice the necessary safety precautions. Direct contact with this refrigerant can result in frostbite, and direct exposure to high heat or fire can also lead to a ruptured tank. R-404A is relatively common and can be purchased in most stores specializing in cooling and heating products.
4. R-410A
R-410A is a mixture of 2 hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants, including pentafluoroethane and difluoromethane. Regarded as a non-ozone-depleting refrigerant, it offers an energy efficiency that is even better than R-407C and R-22 and features no chlorine in its makeup.R-410A is regarded as one of the most suitable replacements for R-22 in association with a higher refrigeration capacity and increased pressure, which results in a far better performance. These processes are relatively straightforward for consumers who decide to buy the units that use R-410A. Today, a host of companies that already manufacture refrigeration and air conditioning equipment make groups that specifically use this refrigerant.
While R-410A is more popular in commercial air conditioning, chilling, and industrial refrigeration units, it is the alternative to Freon, which is not compatible in R-22 air conditioning units. This is due to higher pressure, and it requires different pressure gauges compared to the type commonly used with R22.
R-410A is available for sale under various trademarks, including Puron, EcoFluor R410, Forane 410A, Genetron R410A, AZ-20, and Suva 410A. This product is available through online stores and specialty cooling and heating stores.
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