What is R22?

R22 (chlorodifluoromethane, HCFC-22) is a single-compound HCFC refrigerant that was the global standard for residential and commercial AC from the 1960s through to approximately 2010–2015 when R410a replaced it. Non-flammable (A1 safety class). Operates at moderate pressures. Uses mineral or alkylbenzene compressor oil.

Which Kenya AC Systems Use R22?

All split AC units installed in Kenya before approximately 2013–2015, all window AC units of any age, older commercial cassette and ducted AC systems in Nairobi’s older office buildings, and older commercial refrigeration equipment. The R22 installed base in Kenya is very large and will remain in service for years — making R22 service demand a sustained requirement throughout the late 2020s.

R22 Charging Rules for Kenya

R22 is a single compound — charge as vapour from an upright cylinder. No fractionation risk. Use R22-specific manifold gauges (low-pressure range). Charge by target suction pressure for the ambient temperature — R22 pressure-temperature tables give the correct saturation pressure at Kenya’s various ambient temperatures in Nairobi and Mombasa. Never charge R22 liquid directly into a running system.

R22 Phase-Down in Kenya

Kenya is implementing a phased reduction in R22 (HCFC) imports under the Montreal Protocol’s Article 5 schedule. R22 is not immediately banned — it can still be imported for servicing existing R22 equipment during the transition period. However, import quantities are reducing year by year, contributing to rising R22 prices. New R22-based AC equipment installation is the activity being phased out, not service refrigerant for existing systems.

What is R410a?

R410a is a zeotropic HFC blend of R32 (50%) and R125 (50%) — it replaced R22 as the global residential AC standard from approximately 2010 onward. Non-flammable (A1 class). Operates at significantly higher pressures than R22 (approximately double the discharge pressure at the same temperature). Requires POE compressor oil. Cannot be charged as vapour — must be charged as liquid by inverting the cylinder.

Which Kenya AC Systems Use R410a?

All residential split AC units installed in Kenya from approximately 2013–2015 onwards — LG, Samsung, Midea, Gree, Haier, Hisense, and most other brands in their post-2015 product lines. Standard commercial VRF systems from Daikin, Mitsubishi, LG, and Samsung. Growing rapidly as Kenya’s large post-2015 installed AC base enters its first service cycle.

R410a Charging Rules for Kenya

R410a is a zeotropic blend — ALWAYS charge as liquid by inverting the cylinder. Never charge R410a vapour. Use R410a-specific high-pressure manifold gauges. Charge by weight on digital scales — not by pressure alone. This is particularly important in Nairobi at 1,700m altitude where operating pressures are slightly different from sea-level pressure-temperature tables. POE oil only — never add mineral oil to an R410a system.

r22 vs r410a Kenya — Can They Be Mixed?

Absolutely not. R22 and R410a cannot be mixed in any AC system — they use different compressor oils (mineral vs POE), operate at completely different pressures, and have incompatible system components including seals and valve materials. Mixing them causes compressor oil contamination, incorrect pressure operation, and rapid system damage. Always verify the system refrigerant from the data plate before connecting any service equipment.

What is R32?

R32 (difluoromethane, HFC-32) is a single-compound HFC refrigerant with a lower global warming potential than R410a. Classified A2L — mildly flammable (lower flammability limit approximately 14.4% volume in air). Uses POE compressor oil. Operates at pressures similar to R410a. Can be charged as vapour or liquid — no fractionation risk as a single compound.

Which Kenya AC Systems Use R32?

Daikin residential splits (from approximately 2016 in Kenya), Mitsubishi Electric MSZ-EF and MSZ-AP current generation (from ~2017), Panasonic Etherea and premium models (from ~2018), and some current Midea and Gree premium models. Concentrated in Nairobi’s premium residential and hotel sector — growing steadily but still smaller installed base than R410a in Kenya’s total AC population.

R32 Safety for Kenya Technicians

R32 is A2L classified — mildly flammable. In practice: do not use open flame or spark-producing tools in a confined, unventilated space where R32 has leaked; use A2L-rated service equipment; store cylinders away from heat in well-ventilated spaces; check for leaks before any brazing work near R32 pipe runs. R32 is regularly and safely serviced by Kenyan technicians in Nairobi’s premium AC sector with standard professional precautions.

r32 vs r410a Kenya — Interchangeable?

No — R32 and R410a are not interchangeable. They have different pressure-temperature profiles, different system component specifications, and different refrigerant charge weights for the same AC unit capacity. An AC system designed for R32 must only be serviced with R32. An R410a system must only use R410a. Mixing or substituting will damage the system. The data plate confirms which refrigerant is required — there is no shortcut.