Refrigerant Switches: Green Intent or Patent Push?

Sacramento summers demand a reliable air conditioner, but the HVAC industry’s swapping refrigerants—R22 to R410A to R32. Is this about the “environment,” or are patents steering the ship? At Sierra Aire Heating And Air Conditioning, we’re pondering this for folks needing Sacramento air conditioning repair and maintenance.

R22: The Low-Pressure Workhorse

R22 powered ACs for 50+ years, a staple since the 1950s. Patented by DuPont in the 1930s, its 20-year patent expired by the 1950s. Why one refrigerant? It simplifies production and maintenance. Banned in new systems by 2010 for ozone damage, R22 runs at lower pressures (150-250 PSI) than R410A (250-400 PSI) or R32 (~250-400 PSI). Refrigerant issues? They’re costly and can end a system. But mechanical fixes dominate, making R22 units worth maintaining.

R410A: A Patented Pause?

R410A, launched in 1991 and patented by Allied Signal (later Honeywell, expired ~2011), avoids ozone harm but faces a 2025 phase-out. Roughly 500 million pounds were sold during its patent (1991–2011), cashing in on its proprietary blend. Why pick it over R32? Patents last 20 years—did profits trump progress? Some whisper manufacturers favored patented mixes.

R32: The Ready Alternative

R32, patented in the 1930s and expired ~1950, is less harmful and non-proprietary. Why the R410A detour? Makes you wonder.

Technicians’ Hassle

For Sacramento AC maintenance and repair techs, juggling R22, R410A, and R32 means a truckload of different refrigerants, complicating service.

Sierra Aire’s Specialty

At Sierra Aire Heating And Air Conditioning, we specialize in servicing and repairing all AC systems, especially post-warranty (often five years—contact your installer during that time). Those 1990s R22 units? Like a 1990s Honda Civic—reliable, built tough. Don’t think older R22 or R410A systems need replacing sooner. We love working on them, and some R22 units are the most reliable around.