NU22 Vs R22 Refrigerant: Pros And Cons

Since refrigerant cools the air within your home, it is the heart of an air conditioning system.

If you need refrigerant replacement and are struggling to decide between R22 and NU22 as your refrigerant of choice, there's no need to worry! We've done thorough research to help you make the best decision.

NU22 has established itself as a reliable refrigerant brand because of its energy efficiency, long-term usability, and demonstrated track record of product performance. It is non-flammable and has undergone field testing.

Oil changes take far less time than any other refrigerant.

On the other hand, R22 is already in the process of being phased out. Due to its detrimental environmental impact, it is no longer imported into the United States. 

Refrigerants directly affect your air conditioning system's performance. It's best to go for an environmentally friendly refrigerant. Keep reading, as this article can help you weigh the benefits and drawbacks of various refrigerants.

Refrigerant 101

Refrigerant tank with R134a adapter and gas cylinder hose for servicing car air conditioner

A refrigerant absorbs heat from the environment and releases cool air into your home. A refrigerant can be changed from its liquid state to a gaseous one through compression and evaporation.

If your air conditioner isn't blowing cool air, it probably has insufficient refrigerant. During the process, the refrigerant can absorb and release heat.

Paying attention to the refrigerant level is crucial for your air conditioning system to be maintained appropriately.

Various refrigerants are available on the market. An ideal refrigerant is non-flammable and should have a low environmental impact.

To help you decide on the correct refrigerant, we have listed the pros and cons of NU22 and R22 below.

Pros of NU22

  1. Does not contain ozone-depleting substances.
  2. Safe to use and non-flammable.
  3. Has less capacity, which results in longer usability of units.
  4. Compatible with standard oils.
  5. Provides a sufficient cooling performance under normal conditions.

Pros and Cons of R22

The advantages of R22 refrigerant include the following:

  1. R22 refrigerant is non-explosive and non-corrosive.
  2. It has a standard boiling point of -40.8 degrees.
  3. The low solubility of water results in stable performance.

Here are the disadvantages of using R22 refrigerant:

  1. Has a strong penetrating ability, which results in difficulty in finding leaks.
  2. Contains substances that are harmful to the environment.
  3. Has detrimental effects on the ozone layer, which can damage the planet.
  4. A bit more expensive because it's almost phased out on the market.
  5. It is an old-model refrigerant and less energy efficient.
  6. It will soon become obsolete and no longer available to consumers.

If you have an existing R22 unit, you can continue regular maintenance with an HVAC specialist's help.

Role of Refrigerant In Air Conditioning

Coupler contains R134a adapter for refrigerant fill the infusion tank, NU22 Vs R22 Refrigerant: Pros And Cons

Without refrigerant, an air conditioning system cannot operate. If refrigerants didn't exist, we wouldn't have air conditioning systems to keep us cool in the summer.

Refrigerants benefit consumers as well as commercial and industrial enterprises.

Coils made of copper can contain refrigerant. The fact that the refrigerant may transform from a liquid to a gas state and back again explains the condensation and evaporation process.

Refrigerants absorb heat and send cool air into your space as this process cycles.

The condenser coil and evaporator coil are contained within the refrigerant. The heat from the room will be absorbed by the evaporator coil and discharged through the condenser coil.

Tips For Choosing A Refrigerant Brand

Each refrigerant has advantages and disadvantages of its own. Still, you should be aware of the factors to consider when selecting the appropriate refrigerant for your air conditioning system.

You must evaluate the following elements:

1. Safety and Dependability

ac condenser coil

Refrigerators must be safe and dependable in terms of use, installation, and product handling.

Chemicals that may be harmful to human health are found in refrigerants. Since each refrigerant carries some risk, you must carefully consider and assess these risks.

The product's flammability or toxicity level must also be considered. It will help to read and understand the safety instructions.

2. Environmental Impact

Most refrigerants contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFO), which can cause global warming. Its effect has been a serious issue all over the world and will have a significant impact on the ozone layer's depletion.

You must determine which refrigerant is environmentally friendly to help save Mother Earth.

3. Product  Quality

You should look into product quality to use your refrigerant over the long haul. An excellent refrigerant must not be caustic or combustible.

What Are Some Recommended Refrigerants?

Different kinds of refrigerants are used in diverse applications. The type of refrigerant you choose will also depend on the air conditioner's model.

To maintain system longevity and appropriate utilization throughout the year, research is essential before use.

Three suitable refrigerants you can use are as follows:

1.R410A

Due to its low risk of flammability when compared to other refrigerants, this refrigerant is frequently suggested for use in air conditioning systems. With its safety and energy efficiency, it is ideal for residential use.

It has better cooling performance. R410A is highly effective for users and contains no environmentally hazardous materials.

2. R-407C

This product is recommended for its environmental friendliness. Due to its high-performance blend, it has become a common R22 refrigerant substitute. It is equally efficient and effective in cooling as R22.

It operates at relatively low pressure while providing high pressure. For modern air conditioning systems, R-407c has been a popular option.

3.R-134a

Because it lacks a chlorine molecule, it does not affect the ozone layer. R-13a has the advantages of being non-toxic and non-flammable.

Additionally, it has good thermal stability and a low boiling point.

Every refrigerant has advantages and disadvantages, but choosing an eco-friendly one should be your top priority instead of one that can contribute to ozone depletion and global warming.

Can You Mix Refrigerants?

Refrigerant replacement of an ac

Refrigerant mixing is never a good idea because it will result in stress spots. Each refrigerant contains different chemicals and is used differently.

Mixing them will be problematic owing to compatibility issues. Also, mixing refrigerants is prohibited.

Combining refrigerants will help you save money. But due to the possible harm from mixing them, you might spend more money than you intended.

Using mixed refrigerants risks damaging your air conditioning system's compressor, reducing efficiency and shortening lifespan.

Combining refrigerant products is not cost-effective, mainly because unmixed refrigerant can be recycled.

What If My Refrigerant Leaks?

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Your AC can leak refrigerant, but it might not be evident. If your electricity costs are higher than usual, the temperature can't be set, warm air is produced, or the AC makes strange noises, there may be a leak.

If you've noticed these signs, it's time to have a specialist examine your air conditioner. You, your family, and the environment could all experience health issues due to a refrigerant leak.

Chemicals are present in refrigerants, so you could become poisoned if there is a leak. Headaches, respiratory issues, irritated skin, and eye irritation are possible symptoms.

You should get professional help to stop additional damage to your unit.

In Closing

Coupler contains R134a adapter for refrigerant fill the infusion tank

Although air conditioning makes our lives more comfortable, particularly during the summer, most people are unaware of refrigerants' critical role in an air conditioning system.

You won't be able to enjoy the cool temperature that makes your home and workplace comfortable without refrigerants. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how refrigerant is used.

We hope this article has provided helpful information on the pros and cons of NU22 and R22.

If you want to learn more about refrigerants, check out these articles:

What Refrigerants Can Be Mixed With R22?

How To Run Refrigerant Lines Underground?

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