Can a new HVAC compressor designed to run R-410a, run R22 ?
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Can a new HVAC compressor designed to run R-410a, run R22 ?
Via a home warranty company repair (American Home Shield) for A/C not working problem, the HVAC company they contacted installed a new compressor (AirTemp 3.5 ton VSBE-042KA). It's a split system in a 2 br/2 bth condo in Palm Springs, CA. A/C seems to working fine.
They did not replace the evap coils inside, nor the copper lines. The new compressor came uncharged and they installed R22 freon, (which they charged me $800 for.) I noticed the compressor documentation specifies use of R-410A refrigerant.
My understanding is that when the outside condenser/ compressor part of the system gets replaced, you should replace the inside part, too. ? My concern is that the home warranty company cheaped out on the repair job and just had the HVAC replace the broken compressor. I called the manufacturer and the tech dept has not responded to my question. My expectation is that when I call the HVAC tech installing company, they will tell me it's ok to run R22 in a system with a R410 compressor (i.e. it's ok to not replace the evaporator coil).
Also, I noticed the wider copper (gas line?) going into the air handler is getting frost / thaw/ dripping for about 3 inches where it comes out of the evaporator coils.
Can you run R22 in a compressor designed for R410? If not, what information/ questions do I need to go back to the HVAC tech installer and/or the warranty company to get them to do this job properly?
Thanks,
JB
They did not replace the evap coils inside, nor the copper lines. The new compressor came uncharged and they installed R22 freon, (which they charged me $800 for.) I noticed the compressor documentation specifies use of R-410A refrigerant.
My understanding is that when the outside condenser/ compressor part of the system gets replaced, you should replace the inside part, too. ? My concern is that the home warranty company cheaped out on the repair job and just had the HVAC replace the broken compressor. I called the manufacturer and the tech dept has not responded to my question. My expectation is that when I call the HVAC tech installing company, they will tell me it's ok to run R22 in a system with a R410 compressor (i.e. it's ok to not replace the evaporator coil).
Also, I noticed the wider copper (gas line?) going into the air handler is getting frost / thaw/ dripping for about 3 inches where it comes out of the evaporator coils.
Can you run R22 in a compressor designed for R410? If not, what information/ questions do I need to go back to the HVAC tech installer and/or the warranty company to get them to do this job properly?
Thanks,
JB
#2
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No.
It's likely a lost cause dealing with most home warranty companies. They are not interested in fixing your equipment. They just want to get away with spending as little as possible
It's likely a lost cause dealing with most home warranty companies. They are not interested in fixing your equipment. They just want to get away with spending as little as possible
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Thank you. The manufacturer finally got back to me and stated that the unit cannot run R22.
I will go back to the HVAC installer to see why they did this then. In preparation for that conversation, would you be able to answer these additional questions:
- Are there any approved modifications to a system that, if implemented properly, would allow a unit to operate on R22?
- The system seems to be operating fine, why can't the unit use R22 ? (i.e. why would I complain when it's working fine?)
- Are there typical any ramifications and / or penalties on the HVAC installer that did this then? (For example, will they be no longer approved to install Nortek/ AirTemp equipment if I tell the manufacturer/ distributer?)
- Would this typically void a warranty for this unit?
Thanks!!
I will go back to the HVAC installer to see why they did this then. In preparation for that conversation, would you be able to answer these additional questions:
- Are there any approved modifications to a system that, if implemented properly, would allow a unit to operate on R22?
- The system seems to be operating fine, why can't the unit use R22 ? (i.e. why would I complain when it's working fine?)
- Are there typical any ramifications and / or penalties on the HVAC installer that did this then? (For example, will they be no longer approved to install Nortek/ AirTemp equipment if I tell the manufacturer/ distributer?)
- Would this typically void a warranty for this unit?
Thanks!!
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It's an "AirTemp" VSBE-042KA . I think the OEM is "Nortek".
Thanks for your help. I have a call into the installer who put it in. When I hear back from them, I am expecting them to say it's fine to charge it with R22, for this or that reason.
Thanks for your help. I have a call into the installer who put it in. When I hear back from them, I am expecting them to say it's fine to charge it with R22, for this or that reason.
#10
Could that be VS4BE ??
That would be a 410A unit only.
airtemp hvac/VS4BE/TechSpec.pdf
The servicing company screwed up. They are at fault.
That would be a 410A unit only.
airtemp hvac/VS4BE/TechSpec.pdf
The servicing company screwed up. They are at fault.
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Yep that's the one. ..And that's the tech sheet that I read. Clearly says R410. Plus the manufacturer confirmed it should only run on IR410. My guess is that they will they try to justify it.. that they modified the unit, or did something to convert it to be able to handle R22? If so, what should my response be?
#12
The two operating pressures are vastly different.
There is no mod that can be done to make it proper.
There is no mod that can be done to make it proper.
#13
#15
The new compressor came uncharged and they installed R22 freon, (which they charged me $800 for.)
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So I finally spoke with the HVAC installer company owner. He reviewed everything and said they used R410, not R22.. the tech made an error when doing the paperwork. He went on to say they don't carry R22 on the trucks that do the new condensor unit installs, that the unit wouldn't even be working if they had used R22, and that it's illegal in CA to use R22 in an IR410 system.
So i asked why they didn't replace the inside portion of the system (evap coil) because it's about 30 yrs old and probably not rated to handle R410. He said the tech checked the pressure and condition of the coil/ lines and everything looked good; all held pressure fine. He said he could get replacement ok'd by the home warranty company if I wanted the inside portion replaced. However, he said if it was him, he'd not do it because the older evap coils and linesets are built better then the one nowadays; that they have thicker copper walls and last longer then the new ones..
What do you think? Should I believe him that they didn't use R22? Should I take him up on the offer to replace the evap coils, or just leave as is since teh AC is working fine?
Thanks!!!
So i asked why they didn't replace the inside portion of the system (evap coil) because it's about 30 yrs old and probably not rated to handle R410. He said the tech checked the pressure and condition of the coil/ lines and everything looked good; all held pressure fine. He said he could get replacement ok'd by the home warranty company if I wanted the inside portion replaced. However, he said if it was him, he'd not do it because the older evap coils and linesets are built better then the one nowadays; that they have thicker copper walls and last longer then the new ones..
What do you think? Should I believe him that they didn't use R22? Should I take him up on the offer to replace the evap coils, or just leave as is since teh AC is working fine?
Thanks!!!
#17
I recommend a new coil if you can get it.
You will at least need a different metering device when you change from R22 to R410a. ( TXV)
You will at least need a different metering device when you change from R22 to R410a. ( TXV)