The R134a vs. the R410a

The refrigerants R134a and R410a were both introduced as eventual replacements for more environmentally harmful chlorofluorocarbon-based refrigerants. These refrigerants are intended for different applications, but the proper use and handling of both are controlled by the Environmental Protection Agency.

R134a

• R134a refrigerant was developed to replace R12 in automotive air conditioning systems. Available pure or as a blend, R134a also replaces R12 and R500 in chillers and both residential and commercial medium temperature refrigeration applications. R134a has an American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) safety rating of A1. It has zero ozone depletion potential and a global warming potential of 1430. It uses a polyester oil commonly known as POE.

R410a

• R410a is a high efficiency refrigerant blend of R32 and R125 that was developed as a replacement for R22, although there is not a retrofit solution available for R22 systems. It is used mainly in residential and commercial air conditioning. The ASHRAE gave R410a a rating of A1 for safety. It has an ozone depletion rating of zero, and its global warming potential is 2100. Like R134a refrigerant, it uses POE oil.

Considerations

• While R134a and R410a are both environmentally conscious hydrochlorofluorocarbon refrigerants, the two are otherwise dissimilar. R134a is a pure refrigerant that is sometimes used in blends, while R410a is itself a blend. R134a has a boiling point of -14.9 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas R410 boils at -61.9 degrees. At room temperature R410a has a pressure of nearly 200 psi, while R134a is around 70 psi. As a result, each refrigerant's system requirements are quite different.