R-22 air conditioners versus R-410A air conditioners

Purchasing an air conditioner is something that is perhaps, done once every ten years by most people. When your air conditioning system breaks down, you are faced with the option of repairing the existing air conditioning unit or purchasing a brand new unit.

Repairing the old existing unit may be the least expensive option but may cost you more in the long run, as the unit will consume more energy compared to a new air conditioner. Purchasing a new air conditioning unit that is more energy efficient may save you a significant amount of money and time.

If you are concerned about the comfort and efficiency but are not sure which brand or model to choose, understanding the ratings applied to air conditioners may be helpful.

If your air conditioner unit has not been changed or purchased in the last couple of years, then the evaporator coil and condenser of the unit most likely uses the R-22 refrigerant. The drawback of R-22 is that when it escapes into the earth’s atmosphere and breaks down, it releases chlorine atoms which cause depletion of the ozone layer.

R-410A air conditioning units are more efficient than R-22 air conditioning units and are less likely to overheat or burn out. Another important benefit of R-410A is that it is more soluble than the mineral oil used to lubricate R-22 air conditioning systems, thereby reducing the wear and tear of the moving parts in the air conditioner.