On 5/25/2012 3:43 PM, Jon Elson wrote:
Tom Gardner wrote:

Is it a good or bad idea to change over to one of the new refrigerants
that claim lower head pressure, cooler air and substantially reduced
electricity usage?
Change over, as in replacing the whole system, or change over as
in just putting a different refrigerant in the same system?
The former is expensive, the latter almost certainly won't work.
Each system is designed for a specific refrigerant, and with a few
exceptions, can't be converted to use a different gas. The thermodynamic
properties of the different gases are very different, requiring different
compressor displacement and compression ratio, as well as often changing
lube oil.

Jon

I was thinking of just replacing the refrigerant *IF* an energy savings
would justify it. The 40% they state is mighty attractive! My system
is in good shape and should last a little while yet. I sell to a HVAC
supply outfit and am able to purchase from them. I imagine I'll be
replacing the unit in a number of years so I'll keep abreast of what to
do and what to buy.