Three refrigerants dominate the Pakistani AC market today: R22 (older systems), R410A (modern split and ductable), and R32 (current generation inverters). Charging the wrong one will damage the system. Heres how to tell which yours needs.
Read the label
The outdoor unit has a metal name plate near the service valves. It will explicitly say REFRIGERANT: R22 or R410A or R32. This is authoritative — always trust this label.
System age as a hint
- Pre-2010 ACs: Almost always R22.
- 2010–2018 ACs: Usually R410A, especially on inverter units.
- 2018+ inverter ACs: Increasingly R32 — the new low-GWP standard.
Pressure differences
R22 runs at ~10 bar, R410A at ~20 bar, R32 at ~16 bar at 25°C. Your gauges and hoses must be rated for the working pressure. Using R22 hoses on R410A will rupture them.
Mixing is not allowed
Never top up R22 with R410A or vice-versa — they are different molecules with incompatible oils. A leak on an R22 system requires recovering, repairing, and recharging fresh R22 (not switching).