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.
R-22 systems are typically about 300 psi maximum. If you add R-22 to an R-134a system, you will not get close to the rated cooling capacity of the A/C system. In conclusion, do not mix R-22 with R-134a refrigerants, you will ruin the charge, and possibly seriously damage or destroy your A/C system.
Mixing refrigerants is always a no-no.
There are three refrigerants that can be used to replace R-134a: R-1234yf, R-152a, and R-744. More on these replacements later.
R134a and R22
The capacity of R134a is smaller than that of R22, and the pressure is lower than that of R22. Due to these features, an R134a air conditioner with the same capacity must be equipped with a larger compressor with a larger evaporator, condenser, and piping.
When retrofitting an HVAC system, drain all existing refrigerant from the system before adding a new refrigerant. Never mix refrigerants, or "top off" a system running on R-22 with a 400-Series blend.
Comparing the heat pump performance of the several operating refrigerants, it was found that R134a provides the most practical replacement for R22, specifically for low-temperature situations [43] .
A High-Performing Alternative to R-134a
Opteon™ XL10 (R-1234yf) refrigerant is a non-ozone depleting (ODP) hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) option that meets the industry's growing demands for sustainable, safe, and effective solutions.
What Happens to Your AC System if You Mix Refrigerants? Mixed refrigerants can cause increased system pressures and temperatures changing them for the worse. This can result in ineffective compressor cooling and possible compressor damage, ineffective cooling, and metering device malfunction.
In the United States, vehicles produced after 2021 no longer contain R-134A in the air conditioning system. In other parts of the world, including the United States, there are restrictions around using 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane. Specifically, in California, retailers can deny selling customers canned R-134a.
R-421A is a drop-in replacement for R22 systems. With this refrigerant there is no need to change the oil. Simply recover the R22 and recharge with R421A. Experiencing R421a problems? Read this guide.
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.
As previously stated, R12 systems usually use mineral oil, which is incompatible with R134a. When R134a comes into contact with mineral oil, it can hinder the oil from returning to the compressor, or possibly reduce heat transfer.
At the very least, leaks will occur. Mixing refrigerants is not an option either. This will contaminate the system, and the R22 will not evaporate under the higher suction pressure that R410A requires.
With the scientific approach to reduce the global warming potential (GWP) of the refrigerant R-134A (i.e. 1430), the refrigerant R-513A with GWP of 631 is the drop-in replacement.
As of Jan 1 2020, R22 refrigerant has been completely phased out worldwide due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer. It is no longer being produced. If you're interested in learning how to refill R22 in your air conditioner, it is important to know that this is not something a homeowner can do on their own.
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.
Freon™ MO99 can be used to retrofit R-22 heat pumps .
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.
R-1234yf refrigerant. To date, most auto manufacturers are using the hydro fluoro olefin (HFO) refrigerant R-1234yf as the replacement of choice for R134a.
According to its manufacturer, Chemours, use of R-1234yf has grown so much since the refrigerant replaced the long-established R-134a that it's now used in 95% of new cars sold in the U.S. An estimated 220 million cars on global roads are also using it.
The specific volume of R134a is 1.47 times than R22, and the latent heat of evaporation is small, so the cooling capacity of R134a units is only 60% of R22 units.
The information below will try to dispel some of these myths. Arkema recommends using Forane® 427A (R427A) - The EASY RETROFIT™ for your r-22 retrofit solution. When it comes to drop-ins, the truth is that there are none. The hope of “drop-in” refrigerants has become common over the years.
Used in all types of cooling systems including residential and vehicle air conditioning systems, R22 essentially removes heat from a space that's been sucked into a heat pump, allowing cooled air to escape.