A/C maintenance and R22

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
20/05/2010 13:06

We have just be told by our wholesaler that they have ceased importing R22 refrigerant. This is an ozone layer depleting gas which has long been superceded (with R410a) in most of the EU.

We have managed to buy some stock of R22 but owners of equipment using R22 (most here) need to know that the end is nigh.



If you want your a/c serviced and topped-up with R22, I wouldn't leave it for too long.



Anyone considering buying a/c equipment is advised to seriously consider buying with this in mind.

YeniTom


Joined: 29/12/2009
Posts: 198

Message Posted:
20/05/2010 17:34

vaughn



I think R 410a is ONE of the replacements for R22. As far as I understand, R410a can only be used in systems designed for 410a because of its higher operating temps and pressures and is being used in more commercial systems.



R417a, I believe is the preferred replacement, as it can be retro fitted in R22 systems without affecting the machines or the oils.



It means that when R22 runs out (banned as of January this year) there is no need to throw away existing units.

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
21/05/2010 09:21

YeniTom,



R410a has turned out to be the industry favourite for new equipment. Many reputable companys stopped making R22 systems some time ago. As existing R22 equipment is replaced it is likely that it will be with R410a equipment. The higher operating head pressures necessitate the use of ad hoc pipework.



It is not true to say that R410a is being used in more commercial systems as many manufacturers now use R410a in their domestic range of systems to the exclusion of other refrigerants.



Whilst R417a is deemed a "drop-in" replacement refrigerant for R22, the jury seems to be still out on its suitability and there may be warranty issues with its use. There is also the matter of an apparent 6 – 10% drop in performance and a 15 – 25% increase in power consumption, as experienced by Toshiba, one of the top 4 a/c manufacturers in the world.



If we can obtain supplies of R417a we will use it on existing R22 systems at the customers request, bearing all the above in mind.

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
21/05/2010 11:02

http://www.airtempac.co.uk/pdfs/Drop%20In%20R22%20Alternates.pdf

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
23/05/2010 15:33

We are trying to source R417a from the Greek side and will use R22 until we do.

Our suppliers have decided to double the cost of R22 until it runs out.



Consequently, we will be charging 45TL per unit, minimum 2 units, PLUS gas at 20TL per kilo, for a service.

We do have digital scales to weigh the charge in and typically a 12000Btu unit will need about 1 kg of gas if it has completely lost its charge. Most systems will only need about 500 grams to top-up.

YeniTom


Joined: 29/12/2009
Posts: 198

Message Posted:
23/05/2010 19:56

Hi Vaughan



Agree to what you say. All new kit should be 410a. All I was getting to was that if I was faced with a recharge or new unit, I would go with a 417a recharge first for a few ytl.

Then monitor it.

Marvo


Joined: 30/04/2007
Posts: 194

Message Posted:
24/05/2010 09:13

handbags at dawn

Ozbey


Joined: 04/03/2009
Posts: 304

Message Posted:
24/05/2010 10:00

Marvo,

What are you on about?



To me it seems like a good rational debate with honest exchanges of views, ending in agreement on technical issues and near agreement on how to deal with them.

I wish more threads would be conducted like this, without the mindless interference of those with no useful contribution to make.

Regards,

Ozbey.

YeniTom


Joined: 29/12/2009
Posts: 198

Message Posted:
24/05/2010 11:31

Doh, and there I was polishing my handbag!

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
25/05/2010 09:13

Yeni Tom,



I agree with your msg 6. It is definately worth a try.

It is our intention to try to get some R417a. but it is not yet available here yet.

We are also looking to the Greek side to see if we can source it there.

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
15/06/2010 09:49

Our wholesaler now advises us that his stock of R22 a/c equipment is almost depleted, certainly the most commonly sized wall mounted units (9000Btu, 12000Btu and 18000Btu).

He also advises me that from now on he will only be importing R410a equipment, with stocks arriving next week. This new equipment will be "A" rated for efficiency.



Unfortunately, it is slightly more expensive than the now obsolete R22 equipment and I would request those folks that have taken a quote from me for an a/c installation to contact me on vaughan@sunnycyprus.net for a revisedf quote.

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
21/06/2010 14:46

Update - R22 refrigerant stocks in TRNC are now nearly, if not totally, all gone and R417a is not yet available here. This will now cause us great problems with a/c servicing and repairs as many people have contacted us. As we get more information we will let you have it.

jacktheladett


Joined: 01/07/2008
Posts: 528

Message Posted:
21/06/2010 15:28

Vaughan have tried to email you on your sunnycyprus email but it has bounced back, do you have another?

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
22/06/2010 09:29

Sorry about problems with e-mail.

Try info@octopuspools.com