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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been striving to phase down the use of the hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerant R-22 and will eventually ban it altogether due to its negative effects on the environment. It all started in 2010, when R-22 was phased out, and continued through 2015. Use of the refrigerant will be severely restricted by 2020, and outright prohibited by 2030.
More and more people are looking for eco-friendly, efficient, and affordable freon alternatives to make sure their refrigerant-based machinery and equipment will continue to function in their homes, businesses, and industrial workplaces. We have compiled this list of viable alternatives to R-22 to aid in the phasing-out process.
Here are four common refrigerants that work well as substitutes for freon. Please be aware that each of these refrigerants has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, applications, and safety considerations.
R-134A
Norflurane—R-134A—is a thermodynamic haloalkane refrigerant. Most R-12 and R-22 alternatives are blended, whereas R-134A is a single component. Thus, refrigerant recovery does not require several equipment.
Any product employing or recycling a mix requires a machine for each component, per EPA requirements. R-134A is the only refrigerant permitted to upgrade R-12 automobile air conditioning systems. Retrofitting must be done properly to avoid issues and safety risks.
Retrofitting is simple. Changing the vehicle’s accumulator, receiver/dryer, compressor oil, and high-pressure switch is typical. Even though it’s simple, do it carefully. R-22 in the system could cross-contaminate.
Several experts say R-134A has an Ozone Depletion Potential of 0, making it healthier for the environment than R-22, however some countries are still phasing it out along with R-22. However, most auto shops and big box stores sell it in the US.
R-407C
R-407C is a popular refrigerant for retrofitting R-22 equipment due to its thermodynamic qualities.
The hydrofluorocarbons include pentafluoroethane, difluoromethane, and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane. Packaged air conditioners, ductless split systems, water chillers, light air conditioning, and direct expansion systems in residential, commercial, and industrial properties use the widely accepted alternative refrigerant. Medium-temperature refrigeration systems use R-407C.
New appliances use R-407C. Due to polyol ester oil, R-407C works best with new nitrogen-holding equipment. R-407C can be retrofitted on some R-22 refrigeration systems with an oil change, but most people instal new ones.
Its 0% Ozone Depletion Potential makes this freon alternative environmentally friendly. Many gas and refrigerant vendors, sell R-407C in cylinders and drums.
R-404A
R-404A, like R-407C and R-134A, is a popular R-22 replacement with a 0 ODP. This refrigerant is utilised in refrigeration systems with temperatures between -45° C and 15° C (-49° F and 59° F). Its wide temperature range makes it valuable in commercial and industrial transport.
R-22-like refrigerant occasionally performs better. R-404A has no fast reactivity to air or water, making it safe for many purposes. Non-flammable, colorless, and odorless.
Users should take safety precautions with any refrigerant. Frostbite can still occur from direct contact with R-404A, and prolonged exposure to fire or high heat can cause the tank to burst and produce a dangerous rocket effect. Heating and cooling stores sell R-404A. The most popular brand of R404a is the Freon 404a. You can the freon 404a price online and on leading stores.
R-410A
R-410A, a non-ozone-depleting combination of difluoromethane and pentafluoroethane, is more energy efficient than R-22 and R-407C and contains no chlorine.
Due to its increased pressure and refrigeration capacity, it performs better as an R-22 substitute. Buying R-410A units is simple. Many air conditioning and refrigeration firms make R-410A-specific systems.
This alternative to Freon is most popular in commercial refrigeration, air conditioning, and chilling equipment, however it will not function in R-22 A/C systems. R-410A requires a higher-pressure manifold pressure gauge than R-22. Liquid refrigerant must be charged briefly.
