
R-22 Conversions in Orlando, FL
Refrigerant is essential to the operation of any cooling system, but some aren’t environmentally friendly. This has led to regulations on the production and use of refrigerants, the development of more environmentally friendly alternatives, and the phase-out of R-22 Freon.
If you have an older AC that uses an obsolete refrigerant like R-22, a refrigerant conversion may allow you to keep your current equipment. Are you considering a Freon conversion in Orlando, Kissimmee, or Clermont? Talk to our NATE-certified HVAC experts at United Air Temp.
We’ve provided top-rated HVAC services for over 90 years and have the skill and knowledge to recommend the best option for your unit.
Call United Air Temp today to request an R-22 conversion in the Orlando area.
What Is Refrigerant & How Does It Work?
Refrigerant is a chemical that can efficiently absorb and release heat as it transitions from a liquid to a gas and back.
In the cooling mode of an air conditioning system, a heat pump, or a ductless mini-split, the refrigerant enters the evaporator inside your home as a cool liquid under high pressure. It passes through an expansion valve that reduces the pressure, and as the liquid quickly expands to a gas, it absorbs heat from your home, leaving the interior cooler.
The gas is then compressed and sent to the condenser coil outside, where the refrigerant sheds its heat to the outdoor air as the gas cools and condenses back to a liquid to begin the cycle again.
In heat pumps and ductless mini-splits, the process can be reversed to allow your home to be heated by the same system. In this case, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the outside air, which is present even in cold weather, and it releases that heat indoors, warming your home. To accomplish this process, a reversing valve alters the flow of the refrigerant, essentially swapping the roles of the condenser and evaporator coils.
R-22 is one of many refrigerants used, but it’s no longer being manufactured due to its effects on the environment, and only existing stockpiles of R-22 remain, along with recycled R-22.
R-22 Conversion Process
If you have an R-22-based system in good condition, converting it to an alternative refrigerant may be a good option. The most direct approach is replacing the R-22 with R-438A. This refrigerant acts similarly to R-22, and the conversion process includes recovering any remaining R-22, repairing any leaks, installing a new filter drier, and adding the R-438A.
Other drop-in replacement refrigerants, like R-427A, work similarly, though the oil and other components may need to be replaced. Numerous parts would need to be replaced to convert to a refrigerant like R-454B, including the condenser and evaporator coils, the compressor, and the expansion valve.
Other Options for R-22 Systems
If an R-22 conversion isn’t cost-effective or possible for your system, there are other options:
Recharge Your HVAC System With R-22 Freon
Although R-22 can no longer be produced or imported, using and refilling an existing R-22 system is legal. However, because only old stock or reclaimed R-22 is available, the costs to refill an R-22 system are much higher than those of systems that use other refrigerants.
Replace Your HVAC System
If your system is over 10 years old or in poor condition, upgrading to a modern, efficient HVAC system may be the best way to avoid the hassle of dealing with an R-22 system. An AC replacement is often the most cost-effective option, and you’ll enjoy a quieter system and lower cooling costs.
Choose UAT for AC Services in Orlando
Trust our experts at United Air Temp when you need a skilled team to replace your air conditioner or convert it to use alternative refrigerants. Our company offers quality work with upfront pricing, financing options, and guaranteed satisfaction.
Call us today to schedule an R-22 Freon conversion in the Orlando area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are HCFCs and R-22?
R-22 is a type of hydrochlorofluorocarbon, or HCFC, that can cause damage to the ozone layer, which protects the earth and its inhabitants from damaging UV radiation. All HCFCs will be phased out by 2030 to protect the environment.
How do you know if your AC uses R-22?
If your AC uses R-22, it will be listed in the owner’s manual or on the information plate as R-22 or one of its trade names, like Freon 22, Genetron 22, or Arcton 4. If you’re unsure, ask an HVAC professional to identify the refrigerant.
What types of refrigerant are used to replace R-22?
Direct replacements include R-438A or R-427A, while modern systems will use refrigerants like R-454B and R-32.