R-22 is an old refrigerant that has been slowly replaced by other refrigerants such as R410a.
R-22 units can still be bought, and it looks to stay that way for some time although units are becoming more scarce.
Units and parts are still sold online on sites such as eBay.
The government did pass laws regarding selling of units that contain R-22.
Manufacturers have found a way around this by shipping R-22 units with no R-22 refrigerant called Dry Nitrogen AC Units.
Units come sealed with nitrogen, and R-22 must be added to a system after it is installed.
R-22 can no longer be manufactured or imported but can be recycled for reuse from old refrigerant that is turned in.
The recycled R22 is still sold and can still be bought.
R-22 does cost more than R-410A but is still readily available, it is even sold on eBay
If you have an R-22 system, then parts and refrigerants can still be bought as with any R-410A system.
Since 2010 It has been illegal to sell an entire R-22 system, but since the parts can be bought individually, it can still be done.
Replacing Individual Parts of a R-22 System
Parts can still be bought for R-22 units.
If you have a bad compressor and need to replace the entire outside condensing unit, then this can be done by ordering the right sized unit and having it replaced.
R-22 will have to be added to the system since R-22 units do not come filled with any refrigerant, which adds to the cost.
Whether you should replace the entire system with an R-410A system depends on how bad of shape your system is in.
If the inside A-coil is in bad shape, then it will only add to another layer of cost.
R-22 A-coils can be bought and replaced if needed.
If the inside A-coil and other components are worn out, then it may be simply time to upgrade the whole system to R-410A.
R-22 vs. R-410A
The newer R-410A units have better technology and are cheaper to run than the old R-22 units.
R-410A works at a higher pressure, so the compressors must be built better to withstand the stresses they are put through.
R-410A can also absorb and release more heat than R-22.
R-410A systems also use synthetic oil, while R-22 uses mineral oil. Synthetic oil is more soluble than mineral oil which reduces wear on a compressor.
Upgrading an old R22 system to the newer R410a is the best option when possible.
R410a is also more future proof since R22 parts and components are slowly becoming more scarce.
Summary
Anytime an expensive system needs to be fixed or replaced is always difficult since the best solution is never a one-size-fits-all answer.
Whether an R-22 system should be replaced with an R-410A system will depend on the age and wear and tear the system has endured over the years.
Talking with a qualified HVAC technician is the best way to pick the right path by getting quotes and having your system examined.
There are many different scenarios that homeowners face when looking to upgrade an old R-22 unit.
If you have a story or thoughts on the matter, please share them below.
All information about R-22 air conditioning systems should always be verified by a qualified HVAC technician.
I’m replacing an r-22 condensing unit, with a 410a and want to use the original slant evap coil. Can this be done successfully, if I get the evap coil flushed really well?