R32 Vs R410A: A Showdown of Refrigerant Gases
Welcome to this exciting POST where we will compare two refrigerant gases: R32 and R410A Which one will be the best? Let’s find out together!
- Let’s start by saying that R410A is a blend of two gases, while R32 is a pure gas composed of a single component.
- R410A is primarily composed of R32 and R125 in a 50% proportion for each component. On the other hand, R32, being a pure gas, can be charged in both liquid and gas phases. R410A, being composed of two gases, must be recharged only in the liquid phase.
- Both refrigerant gases, R32 and R410A, work with POE (Polyolester) oil. However, due to the presence of R125 within R410A, the latter exhibits better miscibility with POE oil compared to R32.
- This means that R410A mixes more easily, which facilitates the return of POE oil to the compressor in the refrigeration system. As a result, in many compressors with R32, POE oil works with lower viscosity compared to when it works with R410A.
- R32 has a higher temperature at the compressor outlet compared to R410A. Therefore, when working with R32, it is essential to use POE oils with a high viscosity index, meaning that the viscosity remains more stable with temperature changes.
- Now, let’s talk about performance. R32 has greater cooling and heating capacity compared to R410A. This means that a smaller amount of gas is needed to achieve the same level of cooling and heating.
- It is also important to consider the environmental impact. The Global Warming Potential (GWP) of R410A is 2085, while the GWP of R32 is 675. This indicates that R32 has a lower environmental footprint in terms of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Now, let’s discuss safety. Although R32 is flammable, its flammability level is low compared to hydrocarbon refrigerants like propane. Therefore, R32 is classified as a mildly flammable refrigerant while maintaining high safety standards.
- In summary, R32 stands out as a more efficient refrigerant gas for both cooling and heating compared to R410A. Its lower GWP and controlled flammability make it an attractive option for air conditioning systems.
- Since the miscibility of R32 with POE oil is lower compared to R410A, it is highly recommended to strictly follow the equipment manufacturer’s installation recommendations to ensure proper oil return to the compressor.
What Happens If You Replace R410A Air Conditioner Gas with R32 Refrigerant?
- Both R410A and R32 use POE oil, but due to solubility, R32 tends to have lower viscosity.
- The viscosity index of oil used with R32 is usually higher than that needed for R410A.
- When making this change, the refrigerant temperature at the compressor outlet will increase, which could affect the compressor’s lifespan.
- If switching to R32 to achieve a similar cooling capacity increase, the refrigerant charge should be around 95% of what was used with R410A.
- Adding the same amount of R32 as used with R410A will maintain cooling capacity but with higher electricity consumption.
- If more R32 than the original R410A amount is added, cooling capacity will decrease.
- By charging 90% of the original R410A amount with R32, similar electricity consumption will be maintained, but with lower cooling capacity.
- Beyond 90%, the compressor’s electricity consumption will increase compared to what it used to be with R410A.
- Switching to R32 will result in an increase in refrigerant mass flow rate, leading to higher discharge pressure. This higher discharge pressure causes an increase in electric current and thus input power.
- The figure illustrates the relationship between Coefficient of Performance (COP) and the charge of four different quantities of R32. You’ll notice that the COPs of these charges are lower than those of the standard system, indicating that a direct replacement of R410A with R32 might not necessarily increase the COP.
- Moreover, it’s important to note that by increasing electricity consumption when switching to R32, the compressor temperature might also further increase.
- It is not recommended for safety reasons to change R410A to R32 without manufacturer authorization, even though it is proven that R32 is slightly flammable.
