Both R410a and R32 are environmentally safe and have no potential to deplete the ozone, making them the ideal refrigerant options. But to determine which is better, you'll need to go further to learn about their differences.

What Is an AC Refrigerant?

According to Perfect Aire, refrigerant, a compound often found in a fluid or gaseous state, is what powers air conditioning, refrigeration, and freezing technology. A refrigerant generates cool air by absorbing heat from the surrounding atmosphere and transferring it to other parts, such as compressors and evaporators.

R410a Refrigerants 

The hydrofluorocarbon (HFCs) refrigerant R410A was thought to be more environmentally friendly than R22, as per Perfect Aire. The ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) for R410A is zero. It has a 2,088 Global Warming Potential (GWP), which means that if one kilogram were released into the atmosphere, its effects would be 2,088 times more than those of one kilogram of carbon. 

AC Expert listed the advantages and disadvantages of using R410a refrigerants:

Pros

• The storage, use, and distribution of R410a are generally safe.

• In comparison to other refrigerants, R410a has a higher efficiency.

• The thermal performance of R410a is good.

• It always has a dry surface state.

Cons

• Global warming potential for R410a is relatively high.

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R32 Refrigerants 

Many air conditioning manufacturers are switching to R32, another HFC refrigerant, due to its performance in terms of efficiency, safety, energy consumption, and the environment, as per Perfect Aire. R32 has a 675 GWP. The ODP for R32 refrigerants is also zero.

AC Expert listed the advantages and disadvantages of using R32 refrigerants:

Pros

• Zero ODP

• R32 refrigerant requires less charging because of its 20% volumetric capacity.

• Less potential for global warming in comparison to R410a

• Due to saturated pressure, development is simple.

• Higher critical temperature

• Single gas component

• Low density

Cons

• High discharge temperatures are the cause of oil degradation in the compressor.

• R32 needs to be used with caution due to its high level of toxicity.

R32 vs R410A: Which One Should You Choose?

According to AC Expert, R32 and R410a are fundamentally different from one another; R32 is more recent and energy-efficient, whilst R410a is more common and durable.

As opposed to R410a, R32 is categorized as a flammable gas. R32 must therefore be handled carefully, and personnel who handle it must have particular training. For usage in home appliances, both gasses are safe.

R32 and R410a are priced differently depending on the vendor and the state of the market. R32 typically costs more than R410a.

Can an Existing Unit Have Its Refrigerant Changed?

It is feasible, as per AC Expert, to switch from R410a to R32 if your air conditioner currently uses R410a. However, it is important to note that only a skilled air conditioner specialist should perform this. The process of replacing and refilling refrigerants can be complicated and dangerous, thus it should not be tried by a novice.

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