How to Retro-Fit R22 Units

The Montreal Protocol is a treaty to which the United States is a signatory. Its provisions regulate the phaseout of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) in the United States. It established an initial baseline for the U.S. production of HCFCs and mandates that American use of HCFCs be at 0.05 percent of that baseline by January 1, 2020. Specifically, the manufacture of R-22 will be forbidden after that date. R-22 is a refrigerant that is high in HCFCs and will damage the atmosphere. While retrofits are not currently a requirement, changing from R-22 without having to overhaul the entire AC system is possible.

Instructions

- 1
  Check the HVAC system for any leaks. Spray joints with a mixture of dish soap and water; any bubbling will indicate air shooting outward. Repair any leaks with tape or caulk, depending on the material in use at the joint.
- 2
  Connect your recovery cylinder to the coolant valve. Your cylinder will need vacuum pressure of 50 to 67 kPa. Use the cylinder to extract the coolant. Pull out the filter drier and look at all of the elastomeric gaskets and seals. Replace any that have cracks or that show any signs of potential leakage.
- 3
  Connect the cylinder with new refrigerant to the charging valve. Add about 85 percent of the amount of R-22 that was in there. Check the TXV orifice to ensure that the system is achieving the same superheat as the original system.
- 4
  Look at the oil level indicator. If oil is not coming up to the middle of it, add oil. Whether your system uses POE or mineral oil isn't important, but it is important to add the type of oil that is already in the system.

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