"Jay-n-123" wrote in message
news:dPG2i.12203$NY3.627@trnddc03...
Which systems are more reliable, those that use R22 vs. R410a? Are R410a
systems REALLY as reliable R22?

I live in a condo and replacing the refrigerant lineset would involve
ripping up the ceiling drywall. My AC system is 20 years old. Wondering
the best solution would be to get a new R22 system (with existing
refrigerant lines) installed before 2010. If the existing system were
to die after 2010, then only systems that use 410a will be sold, and I
would have to hope and pray that cleaning/purging out the old lines REALLY
is going to be sufficient for a reliable 410a system. What do you think?

According to the Rheem tech rep, if the lineset is correctly sized, blowing
it out with N2 real well and using a little lineset flush is sufficient for
a new R-410a system. Contrary to popular belief, R-410a is a more efficient
refrigerant, and requires a smaller compressor. The same size of R-22 system
in the same efficiency will use twice the amount of refrigerant to do the
job. The real catch is if the lineset is correctly sized. As far as
reliability, I have recently replaced 35 year old R-22 systems with
R-410a....I can't say about the longevity with the new because it hasn't
been around that long.