R22 Condenser and Coil with 410 Handler?

[SuperSonic]

Now just hear me out for a second.
I missed out on a mini split deal so I ended up buying a 5 ton r22 condenser for a song. It came with a matching coil. Now I found a 410a air handler for cheap too.

I know you can’t use the two together, but does an air handler being 410a just refer to the coil that’s in it and I can use the r22 coil with it instead and be just fine?


I don’t know enough about AC systems to understand this.

Also, I bought a 5 ton unit, but finding used 5 ton air handlers is proving difficult so would I be fine using a 4 ton or 3 ton, since that is the most cooling I need?


Thank you all.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[Climatecreator]

Some coils are rated for either 410 or 22 but if it has a TXV it has to match the refrigerant for the condenser. And the coil needs to be at least the same tonnage as the condenser but could be a size larger.

Also if you install oversized condenser it will short cycle and make you unhappy. I would get rid of that five ton and just get the right sized system

CC

 

[Jim greengo]

You can use a newer coil with r22 condensing unit,just make sure to use the metering device for the r22 condensing unit with the other coil.
The coil and drive on air handler needs to be atleast as big as the tonnage of condensing unit.

 

[Terry D]

There are coils that are rated for both. I would check with the manufacture. Make sure your line sizes are the same. In my opinion, a matched condenser and A coil is the way to go, Plus if your having someone install it, 22 can be crazy expensive. I would install all 410a equipment

 

[BillK]

If I am reading your question correctly it sounds like what you want to do is put the R22 Evaporator coil in the "R410" air handler. If that is the case I cant see how it would make any difference at all and work fine. All the air handler does is push air through the coil and if anything I have heard that the newer ones made to use in a 410 system actually move more air. Maybe one of the HVAC guys on the forum will chime in and confirm.

 

[PelicanPines]

If I am reading your question correctly it sounds like what you want to do is put the R22 Evaporator coil in the "R410" air handler. If that is the case I cant see how it would make any difference at all and work fine. All the air handler does is push air through the coil and if anything I have heard that the newer ones made to use in a 410 system actually move more air. Maybe one of the HVAC guys on the forum will chime in and confirm.

This.

I did the opposite. I converted to 410 from 22... New coil, lineset and condenser. Same handler.

 

[SuperSonic]

If I am reading your question correctly it sounds like what you want to do is put the R22 Evaporator coil in the "R410" air handler. If that is the case I cant see how it would make any difference at all and work fine. All the air handler does is push air through the coil and if anything I have heard that the newer ones made to use in a 410 system actually move more air. Maybe one of the HVAC guys on the forum will chime in and confirm.

Exactly this.

I don't know enough about air handlers to know if there was some special reason I couldn't run the R22 coil that I got with the condenser in the air handler I am looking at.
I assumed all an air handler was for is a housing for a blower and the coil sits on top.

 

[BillK]

I assumed all an air handler was for is a housing for a blower and the coil sits on top.

Thats about it

 

[Terry D]

I guess i read it wrong, i thought you were wanting to use a 410a evaporator with r22 condensor

Sent from my SM-G960U using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Terry D]

Exactly this.

I don't know enough about air handlers to know if there was some special reason I couldn't run the R22 coil that I got with the condenser in the air handler I am looking at.
I assumed all an air handler was for is a housing for a blower and the coil sits on top.

The coil is on the bottom of the air handler . The blower is above the coil . The return air comes in through the bottom, not the side like a furnace

Sent from my SM-G960U using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[bazar01]

What is the size of the air handler that you bought? Is it also a 5-ton so it matches the 5-ton condenser?
You want to use the R22 evaporator coil in the R410 air handler that you bought?
Good luck if it fits inside the cabinet.

 

[SuperSonic]

Well I bought the 4 ton air handler, with furnace for $300. It’s brand new never been hooked up so I couldn’t pass it up. It’s a 4 ton and the condenser is a 5 ton.
I pulled the coil out of it and it’s actually much larger than the 5 ton coil I got with the condenser.

The air handler also states use r22 or 410a: see condenser. So it can be both I was told.



Thoughts?


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[SuperSonic]

Anyone?


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[bazar01]

Your 4-ton evap coil could be from a higher SEER system since its bigger than the 5-ton evap coil.
If you can do all the work, you can experiment matching the 5-ton condenser to the 4-ton coil and use R22. You may have to change the metering device on the 4-ton coil to match the 5-ton condenser.
If you are hiring somebody to install it, good luck finding somebody who will take the risk on this unmatched equipment. I'm sure nobody will.

 

[ramcwork]

Maybe this is already replied.. so I may be adding to the truth that exists.

The main difference between the R22 and R410a coil is the pressure that it can withstand. R410a coils are typically good for 400psi +/- something, Whereas the R22 was around half that.

But the critical component is the TXV or the metering device. The R410a one will not work with R22. But, R22 is an amazing refrigerant and very versatile. I have been hanging on to mine. And for the most part can work without a TXT. Even a piston type expansion device will work (and those you can pickup anywhere). It may not be as efficient.. but for most practical purposes working can be more important than ideal performance.

You are doing good. Just change the metering device, and remember that the Oil used is the right one. If your 410a evap coil was used-- make sure it is purged off the POE oil that may be there.. if its new, you are good.

ram

 

[ramcwork]

You will need more refrigerant through the system. And the figures printed on the condenser unit will only guide you.. not be exact. But, do not worry. There are several units like this - for the price you paid it is still worth it.

Now, the way you charge up these systems and get them balanced uses one of two popular methods (a) super heat and/or (b) sub cool. If you have a TXV installed you will need to use the sub cool method. If you use a piston type expansion device, like I suggested earlier, either will work. Read up about them and you will be set. Now, one needs a refrigerant EPA liscence to do this stuff, or find a friend who is licensed so you can get it done. It's not rocket science, but a lot more than meets the eye.

 

[Terry D]

Well I bought the 4 ton air handler, with furnace for $300. It’s brand new never been hooked up so I couldn’t pass it up. It’s a 4 ton and the condenser is a 5 ton.
I pulled the coil out of it and it’s actually much larger than the 5 ton coil I got with the condenser.

The air handler also states use r22 or 410a: see condenser. So it can be both I was told.



Thoughts?


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

That's not a furnace, its a air handler with a electric heat package installed in it, at least it looks like breakers are installed in it. Are you planning on using the electric heat also? if so, you need to see what's installed in there and size the wiring for that. If your not using the heat, then a 20amp 240 volt circuit will work. Are you replacing a existing air handler with this? Air handlers have to have the return air come in the bottom, not the side. So you will have to build or buy a return air box for your air handler to set on and tie your return air duct into that. As far as to trying to adapt that smaller R22 coil in that air handler, I wouldn't do it. I would try to find a condenser that is matched for that coil that came in the air handler, and I would go with 410a. Probably not the advice you wanted to hear, but sometimes trying to save a few dollars will cost more in the long run.

Plus how old is that 22 system you bought, is there Freon in the condenser?