For years, R-22 (often referred to by its brand name, Freon) was the standard refrigerant for cooling homes and businesses. However, on January 1, 2010, the EPA began prohibiting the sale and transfer of R-22 charged air conditioning equipment. R-22 is made up of ozone-damaging hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) that are harmful to the environment. Under the Montreal Protocol, the EPA is encouraging facilities and businesses to switch from R-22 based systems to more environmentally friendly hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) systems such as R-410A for better efficiency and to reduce dangerous, ozone-depleting emissions.
If you have existing R-22 systems that need frequent repairs or are nearing the end of their operating life, transitioning to R-410A equipment may make sense. With the latest energy efficiency standards in full effect, you may have questions about replacing existing units, especially when switching from R-22 to R-410A equipment. Experts strongly recommend that you install a matched split system that meets the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) standards. Find more information on AHRI certification and learn how to get your system's AHRI rating .
While not recommended in all applications, it may be possible to retrofit the existing cooling system. Goodman provides general guidelines for situations when it is acceptable to install a 13 SEER or 14 SEER R-410A air conditioning unit while keeping existing R-22 indoor unit and/or line sets (guidelines do not apply to heat pump applications).
Please review the conditions that must be met in order to use the existing air handler and/or R-22 line sets with a new R-410A condenser. Systems with mismatched SEER ratings of indoor and outdoor units should be avoided whenever possible and may reduce the system's cooling capacity.
Download General Guidelines