Are you thinking about upgrading your home’s air conditioning unit? One of the best things you can do for your home, and for the environment, is to update your cooling system if your current unit uses R-22 refrigerant. Instead of completely replacing the unit, you may be wondering if you can upgrade your compressor from R-22 to R-410A refrigerant if you’re a homeowner in Eugene, OR. Read on to learn about the process and benefits of making this environmentally-friendly improvement.

What needs to be replaced?

Think of your air conditioning in terms of a truck’s diesel engine. If you want to convert the engine to run on gasoline, you have to overhaul the entire system. It’s a similar scenario when you upgrade from an R-22 system to R-410A. Not only do you have to replace the compressor, but you also have to swap out the evaporator and condenser components. Sometimes, the copper connecting lines also need to be replaced. Of course, you’ll need to have these things done by a skilled technician if you want to upgrade from R-22 to R-410A refrigerant in Eugene, OR.

What’s the first step in the conversion process?

At the beginning of the conversion process, your technician will make sure there’s no moisture in your system and that it’s free of leaks. R-410A systems run more efficiently because they use polyethylene-based lubricating oil. This oil breaks down in the presence of water, which means the entire system must be completely dry. The installer will then place all mechanical components and braze all connection lines. Once this is done, your installer will use a vacuum pump to remove any last traces of water vapor. When the installer is satisfied that the system is dry and tight, they’ll charge the system with R-410A, completing the upgrade.

How do I know if I should make the switch?

In recent years, industry experts recommended leaving your R-22 HVAC system intact if it’s running fine. However, U.S. regulations have made it illegal for chemical companies to produce R-22 refrigerant as of 2020. Although installation professionals can offer R-22 reclaimed equipment to repair damaged system components, you won’t be able to find the R-22 refrigerant cheaply or easily. In other words, running an R-22 HVAC system is going to cost you a lot of money in the long run—it’s best to make the conversion to R-410A as soon as you can.

Making the switch to R-410A is also an eco-friendly home upgrade. R22 refrigerant has been shown to deplete the ozone layer—it’s why the government has stopped its production. By switching to R-410A, you greatly reduce your impact on the environment.

If you’re a homeowner in Eugene, OR and you’re wondering whether you can upgrade your compressor from R-22 to R-410A refrigerant, the answer is a resounding yes. But remember, the job needs to be done by a skilled professional. Contact the team at American Refrigeration Inc. to complete this upgrade that’s good for your wallet and for the environment.