In one of his columns in Supply House Times, Jim
Wheeler said that R410A refrigerant charge has to be removed and replaced
whenever there is a leak. I recently spoke with one of the major manufacturer
service representatives to ask about charging a zeotropic blend. He said the
charge can be topped off in the event of a leak and does not require that the
entire charge be removed and recharged. I heard the same thing from several
local distributors. The R410A refrigerant will not separate during a leak.
Other refrigerants, when a zeotropic blend, have a different glide and may
require the new charge be installed. But most of all, good refrigeration
techniques are needed.
Jody Harral Owner
Murry’s Heating and Air Conditioning Service
Louisville, KY
(also Adjunct HVAC faculty at Ivy Tech Community College, Sellersburg,
IN)