Air Conditioning Applications

Research has shown that R-410A is the best long-term replacement for chlorine-containing R-22 in residential and light commercial air conditioning systems.  The air conditioning industry is fully committed to adopting R-410A as the refrigerant of choice in both scroll and reciprocating applications.  In fact, new energy-efficiency regulations in 2006 compelled manufacturers to implement many new energy-efficient product lines incorporating R-410A.  And, since R-410A systems are available now, demand for R-410A products will likely outpace demand for R-22 equipment in most new applications before the January 1, 2010 deadline.

R-410A has quickly become the refrigerant of choice for use in air conditioning applications because the refrigerant delivers higher efficiency and better Total Equivalent Warming Impact (TEWI) than other choices.  TEWI is the best measure of global warming, considering not only the direct global warming impact, but also the sizable indirect Global Warming Potential (GWP) resulting from carbon dioxide, produced by fossil-fuel energy consumption.

Several characteristics of R-410A are different than R-22.  R-410A operates at a higher pressure, but it is also more energy efficient, allows for fewer coils and less tubing, and has a reduced refrigerant charge and better cyclic performance – all of which contribute to its affordability.  The next generation of Copeland Scroll ZPK5 compressors is optimized for R-410A and delivers breakthroughs in efficiency, reliability and sound.  Additionally, Emerson is developing a new high-efficiency R-410A reciprocating compressor for residential air conditioning systems.  The Copeland brand CP8 reciprocating compressor will be available for applications in the 1 ½- to three-ton capacity range. 

The next generation of R-410A refrigerants and compressors has been established for air conditioning applications, to meet the 2010 regulation change; however, Emerson Climate Technologies will continue to work closely with refrigerant and system manufacturers, industry organizations and government agencies to ensure that state-of-the-art compressor technology is available to help reduce the overall environmental impact of our customers' air conditioning applications.

HCFC-22 is also referred to as R-22 or by one of its trade names, Freon^® 22.  It is a popular refrigerant that is commonly used in a variety of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, including: