How Is R410a Refrigerant Different From R22? | Triad Sheet Metal
- By ppc@rynoss.com
- •
- 19 Sep, 2022
- •
If you have an older air conditioner in your Greensboro, North Carolina, home, you may be facing the prospect of a near-mandatory AC upgrade. After the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency outlawed the production of new AC units that used R22 refrigerant in 2010, they also banned the importation and domestic production of new R22 supplies in 2020. Older air conditioners that still rely on this refrigerant are becoming increasingly costly to recharge and maintain, and there's growing evidence that R410a may actually be far superior.
What Are the Benefits of Switching to R410a?
From an environmental standpoint, R410a has a far lesser impact on the earth and its climate than R22. While Freon or R22 is recognized as diminishing the earth's ozone layer, R410a or Puron has a completely different chemical composition. By nature, it isn't an ozone-depleting solution. Moreover, Puron is believed to be both more effective and more efficient in its application.
R410a Limits Wear on AC Compressors
When compared to R22, R401a is capable of absorbing and releasing more heat throughout an air conditioner's cooling cycle. This improved rate of heat absorption limits stress on AC compressors. Thus, an air conditioner that use Puron rather than Freon has a lower likelihood of experiencing compressor burnout and outright compressor failure. While R22 air conditioners use mineral oil to lubricate their compressors, R401a air conditioners use a high-quality synthetic oil that allows for smoother compressor operation. The higher performance of this synthetic oil contributes to longer compressor lifespans as well.
Switching to R410a
Switching from Freon to Puron isn't as easy as replacing the R22 refrigerant in your current air conditioner to R401a. R401a operates at a significantly higher pressure than Freon does. Having older air conditioners retrofitted to use Puron in place of Freon is a time-consuming, complex, and incredibly costly endeavor. By upgrading to newer air conditioner models instead, homeowners can enjoy the benefits of R401a along with more efficient and more advanced cooling technologies overall. At Triad Sheet Metal, we provide reliable furnace, heat pump, and air conditioner installation, maintenance, and repair services. Residents of Greensboro, North Carolina can also count on us for advanced indoor air quality solutions. Give us a call today to set up an appointment.
All furnaces should be serviced and maintained regularly to make sure that they continue heating effectively and efficiently. If you want to lessen the chances of your furnace breaking down over the winter, you should always have your furnace professionally serviced every year. In this post, we're going to discuss why furnace maintenance is important and what it involves.
The Importance of Yearly Furnace Maintenance
Furnace maintenance is essential for your safety. It helps to prevent possible fire hazards and carbon monoxide leaks. The technician servicing your equipment will always check that everything is functioning properly to ensure the furnace will automatically shut down if it overheats or experiences a safety issue. Maintenance is also important for the life of your furnace, ensuring it lasts anywhere from 15 to 30 years. It can also save you money by lowering your heating costs and helping to avoid costly repairs later on.
What Does Furnace Maintenance Entail?
Maintaining a furnace involves inspecting, cleaning and testing all of your heating system's components on an annual basis. This includes the various components inside the furnace, as well as the blower and thermostat.
A technician will inspect your ductwork to ensure it isn't damaged or leaking air. Damaged ductwork will greatly increase your energy costs and make your heating system far less effective.
Cleaning the blower assembly, furnace burners and flame sensor are especially important for keeping the furnace heating effectively. This also provides reliability. Inspecting the heat exchanger and exhaust flue is also essential for ensuring the furnace is properly vented and preventing carbon monoxide leaks.
As one of Greensboro's most trusted HVAC companies, Triad Sheet Metal is your best choice for furnace maintenance and repairs. Our technicians have experience servicing all makes and models of furnaces as well as central air conditioners and heat pumps. We also offer professional HVAC replacement and installation as well as a full range of indoor air quality services. Give us a call today to schedule your annual furnace maintenance service.
