With the passage of time, an increasing variety of air conditioning gases have emerged, leaving people unsure about which one to choose. Both R22 and R410A are widely used types of refrigerants. Therefore, this article will compare R22 and R410A gases, helping you differentiate and choose the suitable type for your home air conditioning.

Comparing R22 and R410A Gases
1. What is R22 Gas? Pros and Cons of R22 Gas
R22 Gas is a refrigerant with the chemical name Hydrochlorofluorocarbon. Among refrigerants, R22 was the first to be developed. At that time, virtually all major and minor air conditioner brands utilized R22 gas.
However, after a period, numerous studies revealed that air conditioners using R22 would release Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which have the potential to deplete the Ozone layer, causing significant environmental harm. Consequently, the production of this gas had to be discontinued.

R22 Gas Used in Air Conditioning
1.1. Advantages of R22 Gas
- Firstly, one can observe that R22 gas is quite cost-effective, hence widely used in affordable air conditioning units.
- Compared to newer generation gases, maintaining air conditioners using R22 is simpler. Additionally, refilling with new gas doesn't require extracting all the old gas.
- R22 gas does not pose any hazards related to fire or explosion.
- Under normal conditions, R22 gas does not adversely affect human health.
- Air conditioners using R22 gas will have lower pressure, making the installation and usage safer.
1.2. Drawbacks of R22 Gas
- The major downside of R22 gas is its contribution to Ozone layer depletion, leading several developed countries to ban its production. In Vietnam, the use of this gas is gradually decreasing, and by 2040, the importation will cease entirely.
- Due to its low compression ratio, air conditioners using R22 gas take longer to cool rooms and are not energy-efficient.
- While R22 gas does not adversely affect human health, a large quantity can cause discomfort and shortness of breath for individuals.
2. What is R410A Gas? Pros and Cons of R410A Gas
R410A gas emerged after R22. It shares chemical components with R22 but addresses many limitations. According to the Kyoto Protocol signed in 1997, developed countries must reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For this reason, R410A is considered an improvement and a replacement for R22.

R410A Gas for Air Conditioners
2.1. Advantages of R410A Gas
- Air conditioners using R410A gas have the ability to cool more deeply and quickly than R22 gas, resulting in better energy efficiency.
- It has no adverse impact on the Ozone layer or greenhouse effect, making R410A gas environmentally friendly.
- R410A gas does not pose any health risks to humans, providing peace of mind for its use.
- R410A gas is moderately priced, making it widely used in various air conditioning units today.
- R410A gas is highly adaptable as it can be used with devices that previously used a different gas, requiring only a gas gauge and charging hose replacement.
2.2. Drawbacks of R410A Gas
- Maintenance and adding new gas are somewhat more complex as the old gas must be completely evacuated before introducing new gas. Therefore, repair and gas charging expenses are higher than with R22 gas.
- The cost of R410A gas is slightly higher compared to R22 gas.
- Air conditioners using R410A gas are more challenging to maintain and install than those using R22 gas.
3. Comparison of R22 and R410A Gas
To easily differentiate between these two types of gases, you can refer to the comparison table of R22 and R410A gas below:
Criteria | R22 Gas | R410A Gas |
---|---|---|
Main Chemical Composition | CHClF2 (Chlorodifluoromethane) | Mixture of 50% CH2F3 and 50% CHF2F2 |
Cooling Capability | Weak cooling ability | Fast, deep cooling. R410A gas compression ratio is 1.6 times higher than R22 gas. |
Energy Efficiency | High energy consumption | Efficient energy savings due to high cooling efficiency |
Refilling, Repair Costs | Low costs due to relatively simple procedures | Affordable but higher than R22 gas |
User Safety Level | Quite high, limited risk of fire or explosion | Very high. R410A gas is not easily flammable, ensuring user safety |
Cost (Reference) | 242,000 VND/kg | 495,000 VND/kg |
4. Should You Use R22 or R410A Gas?
Almost no air conditioners using R22 gas are available in the market anymore due to its environmental impact. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for air conditioners using R410A gas.
In general, the cost of R410A gas is slightly higher, but it delivers superior cooling efficiency, aiding in energy savings and environmental friendliness. Considering the benefits it offers, this price point is justified. Nowadays, manufacturers strive to bring the best, most affordable products to customers. Therefore, air conditioners using R410A gas in the current market are reasonably priced, suitable for the economic conditions of many households.
We hope the comparison table of R22 and R410A gas has helped you distinguish between these two refrigerants. Information about the type of gas a air conditioner uses is clearly stated on the product label, so make sure to check carefully when making a purchase!
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