Can I still buy R-22 refrigerant?

Author: Brandi Rohan Sr.  |  Last update: Sunday, June 14, 2026

On January 1, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the production and import of R-22. But units manufactured in 2009 and earlier still use R-22 today. Its use will eventually be eliminated in the U.S., so all current and future homeowners must be prepared for the transition.

Is R-22 refrigerant still available?

As of January 1, 2020, production and import of R22 refrigerant will be illegal in the United States. Of course, continued use of your air conditioner (AC) or heat pump system using R22 refrigerant is allowed.

What refrigerant can I substitute for R-22?

R422D is quickly becoming a popular substitute for R22. R422D does not require changing out the oil! To learn more about R422D visit our landing page at http://stores.johnstonesupply.com/88/ and click on July's News "U" Can Use.

Is R-22 refrigerant hard to find?

This refrigerant has been phased out by the United States government and is no longer allowed in the country. In fact, after we reached the government-mandated cessation date of January 1, 2020, the price of R-22 refrigerant gas is increasing drastically. To make matters worse, the supply of R-22 is rapidly dwindling.

Is R-22 being phased out?

Because R-22 depletes the ozone layer, production and import was further limited in 2010. In 2020, R-22 will no longer be produced or imported. After 2020, only recovered, recycled, or reclaimed supplies of R-22 will be available. The production (not use) of R-22 is being phased out.

Best replacement for r22 refrigerant gas in refrigeration and air-conditioning

Can you still recharge R-22?

If you have an older air conditioning system that is low on refrigerant, recharging it is not a simple process. Because there is no more production of R22 and it is illegal to import, you will need to speak with a professional about how to refill an R22 air conditioner.

How much is R22 Freon per pound?

R-22 refrigerant prices range from $90 to $250 per pound. Since you'll need between 6 and 12 pounds to refill a home AC, costs can reach between $660 and $2,400 for a refill of R-22 refrigerant.

What happens if you put 410A in a R-22 system?

The pressure can become high enough for parts of the system to rupture. At the very least, leaks will occur.

Does anyone have R-22 refrigerant?

On January 1, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the production and import of R-22. But units manufactured in 2009 and earlier still use R-22 today. Its use will eventually be eliminated in the U.S., so all current and future homeowners must be prepared for the transition.

How much does it cost to replace R-22 with R-410A?

How much will an R-22 to R-410A conversion cost? The actual cost will depend on many things, including where you live, but most of the time R-22 conversions start at around $2,000 and go up from there. The higher end of that range is somewhere around $4,500 to $4,600.

Is there a refrigerant you can mix with R-22?

So… what refrigerant can be mixed with R-22? None. You can't mix refrigerants.

Will AutoZone recharge my AC?

An AC leak will lead to warmer air from your vents over time. In most cases this can be fixed with a proven stop leak additive to seal up any leaks. When it's time for an AC recharge, turn to AutoZone.

What happens if you put R134a in a R-22 system?

No, the compressor will fail. These two refrigerants have very different properties. One of R22 and R134a is high pressure and the other is low pressure. They don't mix chemically and don't have the same boiling point, leading to inefficiencies and eventual compressor failure.

Is it legal to buy R-22?

R22 refrigerant is illegal to import and manufacturer in the U.S. But it's not illegal for anyone to buy R22 freon. And it's not illegal to sell it IF you have a license. As long as the stocks last, you will be able to continue purchasing R22 from specialized dealers and form your air conditioning company.

What is the replacement for R-22 refrigerant?

The industry-wide phaseout of R-22 to meet mandates to reduce high ozone-depleting potential (ODP) refrigerants depends on alternative options such as Freon™ MO29. This nonflammable HFC alternative offers a host of benefits that include: Cost-effective retrofits (and easier retrofitting) than R-404A, R-507, and R-407C.

What can I use instead of R-22?

Freon MO99 is the gold standard for R-22 alternatives and was developed by the same scientists who engineered Freon R-22. The benefits of Freon MO99 include: Capacity — The ability of Freon MO99 to heat or cool a given space is closer to Freon R-22 than any other refrigerant on the market.

Can you buy R-22 gas?

From 1 January 2020, R22 imported into Australia can only be used for servicing existing refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. From 1 January 2030, R22 imports will be banned entirely.

Which refrigerant is not legal to purchase?

The bill was then signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom in October 2022. As part of the bill, the sale of R-410a will be banned starting on January 1, 2030.

How long will R-22 be available?

In 1987 an agreement called the Montreal Protocol was signed to begin the worldwide phase out of ozone-depleting CFCs and in 1992 HCFCs were added. In 2010, manufacturers were no longer able to produce new equipment designed with R22 and at the end of 2020, production and import of R22 will be eliminated.

Can you flush R-22 to R410A?

When you replace an air conditioner or heat pump and upgrade from R-22 to R-410A, the ideal solution is to replace your refrigerant lines. This is because the mineral oil used in R-22 systems is not compatible with the new R-410A refrigerant and oil.

Will R410A be phased out?

The impending phaseout of R-410A, a widely used refrigerant in HVAC systems, marks a huge shift for homeowners and the HVAC industry. Set to take effect on December 31, 2024, this change is driven by global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and comply with environmental regulations.

Is MO99 a direct replacement for R-22?

Yes. The mass flow rate and operating pressures of Freon™ MO99 are the closest of all the mineral oil compatible replacement products and will likely perform adequately in an existing R-22 system with a capillary tube expansion device.

Can I use R-410A instead of R-22?

You cannot just switch refrigerants because R410-A and R-22 have different chemical properties. R410-A operates at a higher pressure. If you put R410-A into an R-22 system, the parts will rupture due to the increased force.

Can I buy Freon for my home AC?

Unfortunately, due to Freon's negative impact on the environment and ozone, it is no longer in production. An HVAC professional will likely still be able to find Freon for your older AC unit, but new units use other types of refrigerants, like the more favorable R-410A refrigerant.

How many pounds of R-22 does a 2 ton AC hold?

You can safety assume that this 2 Ton air conditioner system contains approximately 6 pounds of Freon total in a normal 25 foot line set installation with a matching coil. Add 2 pounds to the outdoor unit specification will cover most units.

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