New evaporator coil on R-22 system

[JLSeagull]

With a home AC problem I was advised that the evaporator coil has a leak and that I lost all refrigerant. My condenser unit is about eight years old.

Can I replace the coil with one rated for the R-410 pressure and not change metering valves etc. thus keep my R-22 system for a few more years?

If so, is this a reasonable path or should I bite the bullet and go with a new R-410 system? How about other refrigerants instead?

 

[imok2]

No Way!, The presures for R-410 are 60% higher and you need a system designed for this high pressure. This requires a new unit. If you wnt to keep the old unit a few more years stick with R-22

 

[imok2]

Oh and for your information: evaporators are repaired all the time even if you have to remove it from the housing as long as the fins are in good shape and if you repair it be sure to clean it with an evaporator cleaner. Then re install it pressurize to 150# with nitrogen(NEVER USE AIR)Ck for leaks with mixture of liquid soap and water in a spray bottle,look for bubbles,if none release pressure, replace the liquid line drier and pull a good (500 microns)vacuum. break vacuum with a small amount of R-22 to about 5#, release pressure, then recharge with correct amount of refrigerant Or have it done by a certified technition(NATE)

 

[DrRTU]

I would not mis-match the system. R-22 evaporators are readily available. The 410 evaporator may have more surface area even if you changed the metering devise. You have nothing to gain by screwing around with the wrong evaporator. A good contractor should be able to select a TXV if you are trying to match to an older 10 seer unit on an orifice. IMOK2 is correct, coils can be repaired. Most of the time the leak is at the tube sheet at the u bend. If the tube sheet is very rusted, change the coil because a new leak will develop in a different location.