The transition from ozone-depleting refrigerants to more environmentally sound alternatives is a cornerstone of modern HVAC practices. For years, R22 was the industry standard, but its environmental impact led to its phase-out. R407C has emerged as a leading HFC blend designed to replace R22, offering comparable performance and improved environmental characteristics. This article provides a detailed comparison between R407C and R22, highlighting why R407C is the preferred choice for retrofitting, and emphasizes the importance of sourcing from a reliable manufacturer and supplier.

R22: The Legacy Refrigerant

R22, a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), was a workhorse in the HVAC industry for decades. Its key advantages included good thermodynamic properties, compatibility with mineral oil lubricants, and relatively low cost. However, R22 contains chlorine, which has a significant ozone-depleting potential (ODP). Consequently, its production and import have been banned in many regions, making it increasingly scarce and expensive to use for servicing existing equipment.

R407C: The Modern Alternative

R407C is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) blend consisting of R32, R125, and R134a. It was specifically engineered as a 'drop-in' or retrofit replacement for R22. Here’s how it stacks up:

  • Environmental Profile: R407C has an ODP of zero, meaning it does not contribute to ozone layer depletion. While it has a Global Warming Potential (GWP), it is significantly lower than R22 and represents a critical step towards more sustainable refrigerants.
  • Thermodynamic Properties: R407C closely matches R22’s operating pressures and temperatures, allowing for a relatively straightforward retrofit process. This similarity ensures that most systems can transition to R407C without major component changes.
  • Zeotropic Blend with Glide: Unlike R22, which is a pure compound, R407C is a zeotropic blend. This means its components boil at slightly different temperatures, resulting in a temperature glide during phase change. While this glide can require minor adjustments in system design or operation, it is well-managed in most retrofit scenarios.
  • Lubricant Compatibility: A key difference is the lubricant. R22 typically uses mineral oil (MO), while R407C requires polyolester (POE) oil. POE oil is highly hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture readily, so proper handling during retrofitting is essential. Sourcing R407C from a reputable supplier often includes recommendations for the correct POE lubricant.

Retrofitting R22 Systems with R407C: Key Considerations

Transitioning an R22 system to R407C involves several critical steps:

  1. System Evacuation: The R22 and any remaining mineral oil must be completely evacuated from the system.
  2. Oil Change: The existing mineral oil must be replaced with the appropriate POE lubricant. Multiple oil flushes may be necessary to ensure complete removal of MO.
  3. Recharge with R407C: The system is then recharged with R407C refrigerant. It is crucial to charge R407C from the liquid phase to maintain its precise blend composition.
  4. System Checks: After charging, verify system pressures, temperatures, and ensure the thermal expansion valve (TXV) and safety controls are functioning correctly for R407C operation.

Why Choose a Chinese Manufacturer/Supplier for R407C?

When undertaking R22 retrofits, securing a reliable source for R407C is paramount. Manufacturers and suppliers in China offer:

  • Cost-Effectiveness: Competitive pricing makes R407C retrofits more economically viable.
  • High Purity: Assurance of virgin, high-purity R407C essential for system performance and longevity.
  • Availability: Consistent supply chains ensure you can procure R407C when needed for your retrofitting projects.

R407C represents a significant advancement over R22, offering a compliant and performant solution for legacy HVAC systems. For procurement managers and technicians planning retrofits, understanding these differences and partnering with a trusted R407C supplier is key to a successful transition. We are a leading manufacturer and supplier of R407C refrigerant, dedicated to providing high-quality products and expert support for your R22 replacement needs. Contact us to buy R407C and get a quote for your next project.