Do you have a working freezer with R404A, and someone told you that R449A is a substitute for it. Can you charge it directly in its place? In some systems, the conversion is possible after reviewing the specifications of the equipment and operating conditions. In other systems, the difference in refrigerant can change the unit's performance or require adjustments to its settings. That's why the first piece of information you need before purchasing is the approved refrigerant code for the unit model.
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What is Freon?
In the market, the word Freon is used for different types of refrigerants, even though Freon™ is originally a trademark. The refrigerant is the substance that transfers heat within the circuit. It absorbs heat while evaporating inside the evaporator, and after being compressed in the compressor, it expels heat at the condenser.
The most common types of Freon and their uses
| Type | Common Uses | What do you want to know? |
|---|---|---|
| R22 | Air conditioning units and some older refrigeration units | from the HCFC family, which affects the ozone layer and is subject to phased out. |
| R134a | Some chillers and commercial refrigeration equipment | You can find it in some medium-temperature refrigeration applications, depending on the equipment design. |
| R404A and R507A | Commercial refrigeration units, including freezer units | have a high potential for global warming, and there are less impactful alternatives for some systems. |
| R407C | Some air conditioning systems, and some conversions of systems R22 | The conversion in the appropriate systems may require changing the oil to POE, according to the manufacturer's guidelines. |
| R410A | Many split air conditioning units and some commercial air conditioning systems | Check the unit's data plate to determine the approved refrigerant for the model. |
| R32 | Air conditioning units and chillers designed for its use | Its classification is A2L, meaning low flammability. It is used in equipment designed and approved for it. |
| R448A and R449A | Some medium and low-temperature commercial refrigeration applications | Less environmentally impactful options can be considered for converting some systems of R404A and R507A. |
Why can't you just change the type because it's available?
Because each refrigerant has a different relationship between pressure and temperature, and changing it can affect the cooling capacity, compressor discharge temperature, and the operation of the expansion valve. For example, when considering converting a unit from R404A to R449A, the technician reviews the compressor's approval for the new refrigerant and its operating conditions, and may need to adjust the expansion valve and control unit after the conversion. As for R32, it is only used in systems designed for it due to safety requirements associated with its classification.
Before you buy, check 3 things
- The unit's data plate. Read the full code, like R407C. And if the unit has been converted before, check the conversion label or maintenance record to know the type currently in use.
- The model of the unit and the compressor. If the plate is erased or the data is conflicting, send pictures of the available plates to the technician so they can review the manufacturer's documents before shipping.
- Reason for the shipping request. If the cooling suddenly weakens, let the technician diagnose the cause. And if he confirms a charge deficiency, ask him to check the circuit for leaks before recharging.
Are you preparing a new room or do you need to specify the cooling medium for an existing unit? Send to the team Bassem for Cooling Industries the model of the unit and a picture of the data plate, and mention if the use is for cooling or freezing.