Can you reclaim R32 refrigerant?

Author: Mrs. Mozell Collier  |  Last update: Saturday, October 11, 2025

As a pure, single component refrigerant, R-32 can be added or recharged in the field in both liquid and gas phases, without changes in composition. It is easy to clean, reuse on-site, and easy to reclaim off-site with a simple cleaning process. R-454B is a blend and it must be charged like R-410A.

Can R32 be recovered?

Designed with an oil-less compressor, the VIVOHOME Refrigerant Recovery Machine is capable of recovering and filling a wide range of refrigerants, including R1234YF and R32. It can be widely applied in automotive units and appliances, like air conditioners, freezers, heat pump units, etc.

Can I convert an existing R32 system to R410A?

While R32 and R410A are similar in many ways, they're incompatible with systems that aren't designed for them. For example, both refrigerant types are hydrofluorocarbons, which means they are more efficient and environmentally friendly than hydrochlorofluorocarbons like R22, also known as Freon.

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.

Which refrigerant should not be recovered?

The refrigerant that is very high pressure and does not need to be recovered is R-744, also known as carbon dioxide. It is environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and exempt from recovery requirements under the Clean Air Act.

Can You Put R32 in 410 Systems? What Will Happen?

What refrigerant is now banned?

R22 (also known as HCFC-22) is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) once widely used as a refrigerant. If your home or office AC is over 10 years old, it's probably using R22 freon. However, R22 Freon is banned in the U.S. today.

Can you recover freon and reuse it?

Refrigerant gases can be reused after cleaning and separation, and there is a robust nationwide industry providing refrigerant reclamation services for big users.

Can I replace R32 with R22?

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

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 can I use in place of R32 refrigerant?

R32 is a popular choice, due to its availability, performance and efficiency, but R454B and R452B also offer convenience and, potentially, low system qualification costs. Further alternatives are also entering the market.

What happens if you mix R32 with R410A?

R32 has a higher compressor discharge temperature than R410A, and will increase wear on the compressor, reducing its life significantly. Should any problem arise from a system change such as this, any liability would rest ENTIRELY with the person who carried out the change.

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 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.

Is selling recovered refrigerant illegal?

EPA regulations (40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F ) under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act restrict the resale of used ozone-depleting and substitute (e.g., HFC) refrigerant to a new owner unless it has been reclaimed by an EPA-certified refrigerant reclaimer.

What happens if you put R134a in a R32 system?

In the figure, the notation such as R32 + R134a (90/10) indicates that R32 is a mixed refrigerant of 90 wt% and R134a is 10 wt%. As shown in FIG. 3, it can be seen that mixing R134a (or R1234yf) with R32 suppresses the discharge temperature.

Is R-32 refrigerant illegal?

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.

Why is the R-32 illegal?

The real reason, though, has more to do with something as mundane as US import laws. The Nissan Skyline ban exists simply because the car failed to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The Nissan Skyline is illegal in the US because of the Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act of 1988.

Can you get an R-32 in the US?

Of course you can, as long as the unit is not less than 1997 where the requirements for cars that are allowed to be imported into the US in used condition. Currently, several Skyline GTR units have been imported to America, such as R32 and R33 generation.

Is there a replacement for R32 refrigerant?

MULTICOOL-HC32 is a high purity mixture of propane R290 and R170 ethane. It is a refrigerant with a reduced global warming potential (GWP). It is designed to replace R410a and R32 in most stationary residential and commercial air conditioning systems.

What are the disadvantages of R32 refrigerant?

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 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.

Can recovered refrigerant be sold to a new owner once it has been recycled?

Keep in mind that recovered refrigerant cannot be sold to a new owner for use as a refrigerant unless it has been reclaimed by an EPA-certified reclaimer EPA certified refrigerant reclaimer prior to sale.

How to reclaim refrigerant faster?

1st, flip the tank upside down and use the vapor port 2nd larger hose to the recovery tank. 3rd ditch the manifold and use a Wye or the connector directly at the recovery machine 4th ditch the 1/4 hoses and use 3/8 hoses for faster flow.

How much R22 can a 50 lb recovery tank hold?

NEVER Exceed Refrigerant Recovery Tank Limits

By law, a tank can only be filled to 80% capacity and must be kept under 122°F. It is recommended to fill to 2 lbs less than the 80%. For example, a 30 lb cylinder can hold 22 lbs of refrigerant and a 50 lb cylinder can hold 38 lbs of refrigerant.

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