In 1987, at an international meeting know as the Montreal Protocol, new regulations concerning chemicals with ozone depleting properties were adopted by participating nations.  As a result the existing refrigerant (R-22) used currently in residential and light commercial air conditioning systems was targeted as an ozone depleter due to the chlorine molecules it contains.  Because of this fact it is one of the many chemicals scheduled for eventual phase out by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

 

The phase out of the Production of new R-22 Refrigerant began in 2004.  The level of new R-22 refrigerant that manufacturers will be allowed to produce will be gradually reduced until all production of new refrigerant R-22 is stopped in 2020.  After 2020,  manufacturers will only be allowed to recycle existing refrigerant to meet future demand.

 

The new refrigerant R-410-A has surfaced as the preferred replacement by most manufacturers of air conditioning equipment.  It is also marketed under the brand name Puron.  It is easily distinguishable in its pink container as opposed to the R-22 green container.

 

R-410A and R-22 equipment cannot be cross matched.  That is,  if a R-410-A condenser or heat pump is installed,  the indoor coil must be equipped with a R-410-A metering device.

 

Consumers should plan and schedule their purchase carefully to avoid down time.  Both the indoor cooling coil and the outdoor condenser must be replaced when converting to R-410-A.  This is a much longer process than just replacing an outdoor unit. 

 

Most manufacturers are on board with new R-410-A products,  and some have aggressive plans for complete phase out of their R-22 product line well before the 2010 deadline.  With over 10 years of installed products operating in the field,  the new R-410-A systems have proven to be every bit as reliable and efficient as the R-22 products.

 

Installation and service technicians must be certified and trained to install and service R-410-A equipment.