central air basics

19 years ago

I am replacing two 20 years Central air units. I am getting conflicting information on the use of the One vendor wants to sell me new unist using the r22 refrigerant. He says this will be around until at leats 2020 then for years after thant. This cuts down on the total price since me existing pumping is used. He did recommend using the existing copper pipes and new refreigerent 410-a. of course the other vendor told me I would 'stupid" to buy a new unit with r22. His take was 410aa was they way to go. Can anybody provide me any help on this topic.

thanks

tom

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

kalining
19 years ago
One thing you might want to check out is are you going to be there in 2020 to worry about this ? If you put in a 410a
system CHANGE the lines. If you go for r22 who cares. If you are there in 2020 replace the R22 with 407C. Do what you think is best. If your R22 system never leaks and if anything has to be changed and everything is recovered r22
could last forever. it's your call.
bob_brown
19 years ago
I don't think you have very much to worry about. The average lifespan of new equipment is about 12 years. 410 probably has a shorter life at present. It may be the choice of the future, but at present, it has serious issues. Until the systems are redesigned to work properly with 410, it is more costly to use.
Related Professionals
McAlester General Contractors · Gloucester General Contractors · Allentown General Contractors · Provo General Contractors · Gainesville Home Remodeling · Carbondale Home Remodeling · Terre Haute Home Remodeling · Muskogee Home Remodeling · Norfolk Home Remodeling · Muskegon Home Remodeling · Brainerd Home Remodeling · Napa Home Remodeling · Colorado Springs Home Remodeling · Athens Bathroom Remodelers · Fergus Falls Bathroom Remodelers
daddo
19 years ago
I have several systems operating on 410A for years now with no problems. There won't be any difference between the two except certain refrigerant repair proceedures. Their operations and related equipment have already been tested for over 10 years with good results. The people inexperienced with this newer refrigerant are the ones that usually guide the customer away from it. It can be more costly to install equipment with R410A "IF" the refrigerant lines should be replaced, but they sometimes don't, if a thorough flushing of the lines can be done and the lines weren't soldered with soft solder. Long runs with a lot of possible dips should really be replaced. The problem could be trapped oil and any contaminants left behind. If the system doesn't come with a liquid drier, one should be installed.
R22 or R410A? Right now it doesn't matter that much, but 5 years from now, I will start with every system being R410A. Mostly due to the cost of R22 going up and it's going to get very expensive. The government has a way of placing taxes on things to control the directions people take. (and make lots of money). :)
texas_al
19 years ago
Why would a 410A system have a shorter life? I just put one in and don't want to hear that.

I've never owned a central air system that lasted less than 20 years. Are they not making them like they used to? Sorta like the new disposable appliances?
bama_dude
19 years ago
texas al, you dont have anything to worry about.If you maintenance your systems you will get good service from them in most cases.There is nothing to worry about with 410a.We have hundreds of 410a system out there that are doing great.Some people are uneducated about 410a and give customers false imformation.I tell my customers 12 to 15 years because most people dont take care of their systems.
funnycide
19 years ago
Your decision should not be based on R22 or R410a. Both systems have an equal chance of being trouble free if installed properly. R22 will be available for many many years cheaper then 410a. Whatever refrigerant the contractor you feel will do the best job uses will be fine.
ramsey
Original Author
19 years ago
thanks all. New problem, I have a 5 ton and 3.5 ton units. The existing piping is 7/8" in for the 5 ton unit and 3/4" for the 3.5 ton unit. I am being told that this piping is to small for these units. Should be ( 1 1/8 and 7/8). The dealer will not use r22 lines for his new units. The dealer is proposing to run new piping up the side of the house to get to the attic air handler. It is starting to look like I keep the old units one more year.
georgehvacnj
19 years ago
hes doing it right and by the book, after all you want to get the most efficeancy out of the sytem and waist as little electric as possible
bob_brown
19 years ago
I keep hoping that an updated ammonia system will come from the past to become the new standard. While many people will claim serious problems with ammonia, it seems to be the least offensive refrigerent to use, furthermore the ammonia lends it's self to solar heating for the absorption cycle. Solar may only provide part of the cycle, but using a 2 stage system, it sounds to be the answer to energy savings. It is also the oldest method of refrigeration,(making ice)starting in the 1850's.

As to the current level of development of 410, it is not ready for prime time. It will probably be a stop gap freon, to be soon replaced. Too many companies are afraid of seeming to be behind the design curve, and have jumped onto the bandwagon. As an engineer first, I look at design parameters first, then how they are implemented. 410 is not treated with the care it needs. Teaching someone how to handle 410 is not the answer. It is just a refrigerant. Nothing more than that. Understanding how to handle refrigerants is part of the techs job. Any claim that it is super-duper or special is imaginary. To those who spent money to learn the differences, I am sorry you wasted your money.