Can you replace R-22 with R134a?

Author: Calista Gleason  |  Last update: Tuesday, November 4, 2025

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.

Can I use R134a instead of R22?

Alternatives for R22-which has been extensively used as residential heat pump and air-conditioning systems for more than five decades are R134a, R404a, R407c, R410a,b, R508, etc.

Can you top off R22 with R134a?

No, you should not mix R22 with R134A refrigerant. Here are some key points to consider: Chemical Compatibility: R22 (chlorodifluoromethane) and R134A (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane) have different chemical properties and are not compatible. Mixing them can lead to unpredictable behavior in the refrigeration system.

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.

Can you replace R1234yf with R134a?

You cannot change an r1234yf system to be compatible with r134a. It is both illegal and damaging to the AC system components due to the different types of refrigerant oil used between the two refrigerants.

7 weeks with R134 freon in my R22 air conditioner

What happens if I put R134a in a R1234yf car?

The expansion valve setting for R-1234yf refrigerant is different compared to R-134a. Changing from R-1234yf to R-134a refrigerant may result in a system with incorrect refrigerant flow and heat exchanger mal-distribution which may cause a loss of cooling performance or durability concerns.

When was R134a banned?

The AIM Act is a Federal nationwide rule phasing out the use of global warming materials. As part of that effort, EPA is now banning the use of 134a in aerosol products as of 1/1/2025. There are excepted products that are allowed to use 134a until 1/1/2028.

Can you mix R-22 with any other refrigerant?

Mixing R22 with R407C or any other refrigerant. According to the 609 EPA rule, mixing refrigerants is illegal and anybody caught doing so will be heavily fined.

Can I still buy R-22 refrigerant?

In 2010, the U.S. stopped the sale of newly manufactured residential air conditioning units and heat pumps that use R-22 because of its particularly harmful impact on the ozone layer when released into the air. On January 1, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the production and import of R-22.

What refrigerant replaces R134a?

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 is the difference between R134a and R1234yf?

Firstly, the primary difference is the environmental impact. Old refrigerants like R-12 and R-134a are known to contribute to ozone depletion and global warming. In contrast, 1234YF is classified as a has a much lower global warming potential. Secondly, the performance of the refrigerants is different.

Is it illegal to recharge AC with R-22?

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 is the pressure difference between R-22 and R134a?

The pressure drop of R134a is 60–90% and 110–130% higher than that of R22 and R410A, respectively. In comparison with R410A, R22 is approximately 25–47% higher. These trends are the same results of Cavallini et al.

Why is R22 refrigerant illegal?

R22 has been banned due to its high ozone-depleting potential. R22 leaks are highly toxic and can damage the environment and people's health. The use of R22 freon in air conditioning units has been restricted & banned from being used in any new products.

Can you use R134a in a home AC system?

R134 was specifically designed to replace R12 used in smaller air conditioning units, such as those used in vehicles. R134 is also used in home appliances, mobile refrigeration units and stationary commercial units, such as cold cases in grocery stores.

Can I recharge R22 myself?

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.

What is the closest replacement for R22?

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.

Is R22 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.

Does Home Depot sell R22 Freon?

R-22 Freon is not even available for purchase unless you're an EPA-licensed technician. So, you can't buy Freon from Home Depot for your HVAC needs. The good news is that you can still get it, though.

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.

What refrigerant is compatible with R-22?

Freon™ MO29 (R-422D) refrigerant is a low-toxicity, non-ozone depleting hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) replacement for R-22.

What is the drop in replacement for R-22?

RS-44 is a “Drop-in” replacement for R22 providing an easy and at the same time a long term solution. Because there is no need to use expensive and hygroscopic synthetic lubricants, the risk of moisture ingress into a refrigeration system is completely avoided.

What will R134a be replaced with?

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.

Will 134a be phased out?

HFC-134a will no longer be allowed in nonroad vehicles as of January 1, 2028. Servicing of existing vehicles using HFC-134a with HFC-134a will not be impacted and will continue to be allowed.

What refrigerant is illegal in the US?

It was used for so long that most people simply refer to any refrigerant as "freon." In fact, the word Freon is one type of product, a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) compound known by industry experts as R-22. The EPA began phasing out HCFCs in 2010 and officially banned their production and import in 2020.

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