R410A Refrigerant Charge Question

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)