Zeotropic Blend R-22 Retrofit

R-407C Refrigerant

HFC blend designed as a non-ozone depleting alternative to R-22. Used in residential and light commercial air conditioning systems.

1774
Global Warming Potential
Type
Zeotropic Blend
Composition
R-32/125/134a
Glide
7-9°F (4-5°C)
Boiling Point
-43.6°F (-42°C)
Critical Temp
186°F (86°C)
Oil Type
POE

Significant Temperature Glide

R-407C has a 7-9°F temperature glide. Use bubble point for liquid line and dew point for suction line readings.

Blend Composition

R-32
23%
R-125
25%
R-134a
52%

Note: R-32 is mildly flammable (A2L), but the blend is classified A1

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 86.2 g/mol
Boiling Point -43.6°F (-42°C)
Critical Temperature 186°F (86°C)
Critical Pressure 662 psia
Liquid Density 74.8 lb/ft³
ODP 0
GWP (100-yr) 1774
Temperature Glide 7-9°F (4-5°C)
ASHRAE Safety A1 (Non-flammable)

R-407C vs R-22

Capacity 5-10% lower
Efficiency 2-5% lower
Discharge Temp Higher
Operating Pressure Similar
Oil Required POE (change)
Temperature Glide Significant

R-407C Pressure-Temperature Chart

Important: R-407C is a zeotropic blend with significant glide (~7-9°F).
Bubble Point = Liquid Line saturation (use for subcooling)
Dew Point = Suction Line saturation (use for superheat)

Temp °F Temp °C Bubble (psig) Dew (psig)
-40°F -40°C -2.3 4.3
-30°F -34.4°C 2.5 9.7
-20°F -28.9°C 8 15.8
-10°F -23.3°C 14.4 22.8
0°F -17.8°C 21.7 30.8
10°F -12.2°C 30 39.8
20°F -6.7°C 39.3 50
25°F -3.9°C 44.4 55.6
30°F -1.1°C 49.9 61.5
35°F 1.7°C 55.7 67.8
40°F 4.4°C 61.8 74.5
45°F 7.2°C 68.4 81.6
50°F 10°C 75.3 89.1
55°F 12.8°C 82.6 97
60°F 15.6°C 90.3 105.4
65°F 18.3°C 98.4 114.2
70°F 21.1°C 106.9 123.5
80°F 26.7°C 124.9 143.2
90°F 32.2°C 144.8 164.9
100°F 37.8°C 166.5 188.6
110°F 43.3°C 190.3 214.5
120°F 48.9°C 216.2 242.6
130°F 54.4°C 244.4 273.1
140°F 60°C 274.9 306.1

Understanding Temperature Glide

What is Temperature Glide?

In zeotropic blends like R-407C, the different component refrigerants evaporate and condense at different temperatures. This causes a temperature change during phase transition.

Bubble Point (Liquid)

Temperature where first vapor bubble forms. Use for liquid line readings and subcooling calculation.

Dew Point (Vapor)

Temperature where last liquid drop evaporates. Use for suction line readings and superheat calculation.

Practical Implications

  • Counter-flow heat exchangers work best with glide refrigerants
  • Flooded evaporators may have issues due to composition shift
  • Must charge as liquid to prevent fractionation
  • If significant leak occurs, entire charge should be replaced

R-22 to R-407C Retrofit Procedure

1

Recover All R-22

Completely recover existing R-22 refrigerant. System must be empty.

2

Replace Oil with POE

R-407C requires POE (Polyolester) oil. Mineral oil is not compatible. Drain existing oil and replace with manufacturer-specified POE oil.

3

Replace Filter Drier

Install new HFC-compatible filter drier. POE oil is hygroscopic and requires proper moisture control.

4

Replace or Adjust TXV

R-22 TXV must be replaced or adjusted for R-407C. May also need adjustment to superheat settings.

5

Check Gaskets and Seals

Verify all gaskets and o-rings are compatible with R-407C and POE oil.

6

Evacuate System

Deep vacuum to 500 microns or below. POE oil requires very dry system.

7

Charge with R-407C (Liquid)

Charge as liquid only. Expect approximately same charge weight as R-22.

8

Update Labels

Apply R-407C label and update unit nameplate. Never mix refrigerants.

Critical Warnings

  • • Never mix R-22 and R-407C
  • • System must be 100% purged before conversion
  • • Expect 5-10% capacity reduction
  • • Monitor discharge temperature (runs hotter)
  • • Some older systems may not be suitable for retrofit

R-407C Operating Guidelines

Typical Pressures (AC Mode)

Suction (Low Side)

60-75 psig

At 40-45°F evaporator temp (dew point)

Discharge (High Side)

200-300 psig

Varies with ambient temperature

Charging Targets

Superheat (TXV System)

8-12°F

Use dew point for suction saturation

Subcooling

10-15°F

Use bubble point for liquid saturation

Special Considerations

  • Charge as liquid only to prevent fractionation
  • Monitor discharge temp - runs higher than R-22
  • Use POE oil only - not compatible with mineral oil
  • If major leak, replace entire charge
  • POE oil is hygroscopic - minimize air exposure