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Can I convert a heat pump or air conditioner from R-22 refrigerant to R-410A, or switch R-410A to R-22?

Thursday, June 14, 2018

Theoretically Possible But Not Practical

No, you cannot just evacuate R-22 from a system and replace it with R-410A, or vice-versa. Both the condenser and evaporator units of a system are designed specifically to be compatible with only one refrigerant, and will not function if it is changed. While it is possible to replace multiple components of an older R-22 HVAC system so that it will operate with R-410A, the parts and labor cost makes it a terrible investment compared to upgrading to a new the system—which would also be higher efficiency. Plus, the converted systems do not always perform satisfactorily.

    R-22 is an older refrigerant that has been being phased out gradually since 2010. Remaining supplies are limited and becoming more expensive, so going from R-410A backwards to R-22 makes even less sense.

    Also, see our blog posts How can I tell if an air conditioner uses R-22 or R-410A refrigerant? and When does the ban on R-22 air conditioning refrigerant take effect?

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  To learn more about heating and air conditioning systems, see these other blog posts:

How can I find out the SEER of my air conditioner? 

My air conditioner won't turn on. What's wrong? 

How can I find out the size of my air conditioner? 

How can I find out the age of my air conditioner or furnace?

How can I tell whether the condenser (outdoor unit) is an air conditioner or heat pump? 

Where is the air filter for my central air conditioner and furnace? I can’t find it? 

Does an old air conditioner use more electricity as it ages? 

How did homes stay cool in Florida before air conditioning? 

What is wrong with an air conditioner when the air flow out of the vents is low?

Why has the thermostat screen gone blank? 

Why does it take so long to cool a house when an air conditioner has been off for a while? 

Why is my air conditioner not cooling enough? 

What are the most common problems with wall/window air conditioners?  

Will closing doors reduce my heating and cooling costs? 

   Visit our HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles. 

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