Can I replace R-407C with R32?

Author: Demarcus Hudson  |  Last update: Thursday, July 2, 2026

Can I “drop in” R32 into a R410a/ R407c system? No, R32 is not compatible with these systems. You will need to replace the whole system.

What refrigerant can replace R407C?

Opteon™ XP20 (R-449C) refrigerant is a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) option that replaces R-22 and R-407C in residential and commercial air conditioners, as well as direct expansion chillers. It has similar performance and properties to R-22 and R-407C and can be used in both retrofit and new equipment.

Why is R32 refrigerant banned in the USA?

Changes to the Dangerous Goods Legislation, effective in 2021, has new categories for A2L refrigerants. R32 is a synthetic greenhouse gas. If released to the atmosphere it can contribute to climate change. R32 is a flammable refrigerant.

Can I use the same copper piping when replacing my AC unit with R-22 to R32 refrigerant?

Sadly you can not reuse. Wall thickness of older pipes running R22 is not as thick as newer pipes used on AC's using R410 and R32. They run at higher pressures which your pipes are not rated for...

What refrigerant is compatible with R32?

Compatibility: R32 is compatible with existing air conditioning systems that use R22 and R410A, making it a suitable alternative for retrofitting existing systems. However, it's important to consider compatibility with the specific system and components before retrofitting to R32.

R22 to R407C Refrigerant Retrofit

What refrigerant can I use instead of R32?

A primary alternative to R32 is R290, commonly known as propane, an A3 highly flammable refrigerant with an ultra-low GWP of 0.02.

What are the disadvantages of R32?

Disadvantages:Different from R22 and R410A, the R32 is slightly flammable. But combustion will not occur unless three critical conditions are met, refrigerant concentration, constant oxygen, and an ignition source. In real practice, it's hard to meet all the combustion conditions.

Can you mix R22 and R32?

Against the Law. Due to the phasing out of R22 in 2020, it is illegal for a contractor to mix refrigerants. Once mixed, the refrigerant can no longer be used and must be incinerated.

Can R-410A piping be used for R32?

Existing R410A pipework can be re-used when replacing older R410A units with new R32 units provided the interconnecting pipe size is not smaller than that recommended for the new system. Oil traps must be fitted to vertical suction risers where outdoor unit is above indoor unit.

Does length of AC copper pipe affect cooling?

The air-conditioning copper pipe is mainly connected to the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. The refrigerant flowing inside is the refrigerant (Freon). If the copper pipe line is too long, the refrigerant will flow at a slower speed, resulting in no refrigerant in the air-conditioning compressor.

What refrigerant is being phased out in 2024?

In the first half of 2024 we'll phase out our R-410A dedicated models and introduce -01 refrigerant versatile models, compatible with both R-410A and R-454B refrigerants.

When did the R32 become legal in the US?

As of August 2014, the first R32 Skyline GT-Rs became eligible for US import under the NHTSA "25 year" rule that allows vehicles that are 25 years old (to the month) or older to be imported. Due to their age, these vehicles do not have to comply with federal emissions or with federal motor vehicle safety standards.

What happens if you put R410A in a R32 system?

R410A systems are not built to handle flammable substances like R32, so treating R32 like an R410A replacement can have dangerous consequences for you, your home and your HVAC technician.

Can I use R-32 instead of R-407C?

Can I “drop in” R32 into a R410a/ R407c system? No, R32 is not compatible with these systems. You will need to replace the whole system.

Is 407C being phased out?

The commonly used synthetic refrigerants such as R134a, R407C and R410A have a GWP value higher than 2,500. As a result, their production is being phased out.

What freon is compatible with 407C?

Freon™ 407C is suitable as a replacement for R-22 in medium-temperature (20 to 40 °F [-6.7 to 4.4 °C]) evaporator conditions, but loses capacity at lower temperatures, where higher pressure refrigerants such as Freon™ 404A are recommended.

Can I convert an existing R410A system to R32?

Is it possible to upgrade the refrigerant in an existing unit? Please note that it is not possible to transition an R410A refrigerant unit to an R32 unit. Refrigerants should only be handled by trained, qualified technicians. These experts can assist you in finding an R32-capable system.

Can anyone buy R32 refrigerant?

Only Section 608 certified technicians can purchase refrigerants intended for use with stationary refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment.

Do you need a special vacuum pump for R32?

You will, of course, need to ensure that any equipment you use includes an R32 compliant recovery unit, an R32 specific vacuum pump, a torque wrench set to the manufacturer's recommendations on your flare joints and for pipework, stick to material that is R410A rated, as this also suitable for R32.

Can I use the same copper piping when replacing my AC unit with R22 to R32 refrigerant?

If the refrigerant used for the existing unit is other than R22, R407C and R410A, the existing refrigerant piping cannot be used. If the existing unit has another use than air conditioning, then existing refrigerant piping cannot be used.

Is R32 a drop-in replacement for R22?

Although the drop-in replacement of R22 to R32 reduces the performance of the A/C system, but since GWP of R32 (650) is relatively low compared to R22 (1818), the use of R32 as working fluid will significantly reduce the emission of global warming compound in the atmosphere.

Is R32 refrigerant legal in the US?

Regulatory - There are no published regulations or granted EPA petitions that state R-32 will be prohibited in the U.S. after 2029. In fact, R-32 is a single component refrigerant, while R-454B is a blend that consists of nearly 70% R-32.

What is the new refrigerant for 2025?

The new EPA refrigerant regulations for 2025 will phase out the use of high-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants like R-410A, replacing them with more eco-friendly alternatives, such as R-454B and R-32.

Can you use R32 in a R22 system?

Abstract. Relatively, R32 has very low GWP compared to R22, and therefore leading R32 to be a potential substitute for R22.

What are common issues with R32?

Worn suspension, leaks, bad bushings, and broken plastic are just some of the issues the R32 has.

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