Yes, R-407C is one of the best and most widely used replacements for R-22. Because its operating pressures and temperatures are incredibly similar to R-22, you won't lose noticeable cooling capacity or efficiency.
While R-407C is the closest match to R-22 in terms of pressures and cooling capacity, it is not a true "drop-in" replacement. You cannot simply pour it into an existing R-22 system without professional modifications and a full evacuation.
The best "drop-in" replacements for R22 are R407C for systems equipped with POE oil and R438A (Freon MO99) or R453A (RS-44B) for systems with existing mineral oil. Because true drop-in refrigerants don't exist, minor system retrofitting, such as changing valve cores, may be required.
Yes, but only for specific commercial refrigeration systems. R-407A is widely used as a retrofit to replace R-22 in low- and medium-temperature commercial equipment (like walk-in coolers and supermarket cases). However, it is not intended or approved for residential air conditioning.
R22 uses mineral oil. R407C requires POE oil. Mixing them prevents oil circulation, starves the compressor, and causes mechanical failures.
R-22 refrigerant typically costs between $𝟗𝟎 and $𝟐𝟓𝟎 per pound. Because R-22 has been phased out, the supply is dwindling, which causes prices to continuously climb.
Yes, R-407C is being phased out. Under the US EPA AIM Act, production and use of high-Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants, including R-407C, are strictly restricted.
R407C requires synthetic polyolester (POE) oil rather than the mineral oil used in many older R22 systems. This means converting to R407C often involves a complete oil change and flushing of the system to remove all traces of mineral oil.
A 30-pound cylinder of R-22 refrigerant is generally worth between $500 and $1,200 to purchase wholesale, and up to $2,400 to $4,500 if bought directly from a service company during a home repair.
A2L refrigerants, the new refrigerants for 2026, will replace R-410A in new systems. A lot about A2L refrigerants is explained in their name: The “A” means low toxicity. The “2L” is a safety classification, indicating it is mildly flammable.
The best replacement for R-22 depends on your system's configuration. Because R-22 is fully phased out, the most common drop-in substitutes are R-438A (MO99), R-407C, and RS-44b (R-453A). These allow for system retrofits, though complete system replacement is often recommended for aging units.
The most common, modern, and effective "drop-in" replacements for R-22 refrigerant in existing AC systems are R-438A (Freon MO99), R-453A (RS-44b), and R-407C. These alternatives are designed to work with existing mineral oil, often requiring no component changes, though a technician must perform the conversion.
R-22 is a refrigerant that is often used in air- conditioning equipment. 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.
Freon™ 407C will have higher discharge pressures and lower discharge temperatures when compared to R-22 operation.
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.
The general observed trend was a drop in both capacity and efficiency and also in suction and discharge pressures. It was due to a loss ofR32 which is the highest pressure component in the mixture. Flammability issue may have to be considered for vapor leaks due to the higher percentage of R32 in the leaking vapor.
It is possible to use a different type of refrigerant inside an R-22 system. There are “drop-in” refrigerants that serve exactly this purpose. When someone has an R-22 leak, it's possible to remove all the R-22 from the system and replace it with a drop-in refrigerant.
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. Due to complexity, safety concerns, training and licensing required we do not recommend doing this without having a trained professional onsite.
Freon™ 407C has been a popular R-22 replacement because of its properties, which include: Similar cooling capacity, energy efficiency, and pressures as R-22 in systems. An ability to be topped off after a leak, multiple times, with minimal impact on system performance.
How much is R-22 per pound? Since R-22/Freon® was phased out, prices have risen over the years and will continue to rise. In 2025, R-22 can cost anywhere from $100 to $250 per pound installed. In general, cooling systems require 2-4 pounds per ton of capacity.
Yes, R-407C must always be charged into the system as a liquid. Because it is a zeotropic blend of three different refrigerants (HFC-32, HFC-125, and HFC-134a), charging it as a vapor will cause the blend to separate (fractionation), ruining the ratio of the mixture and altering the system's performance.
You need at least Type II or Universal certification to buy or handle most HVAC refrigerants such as R410A, R407C, R22, etc.
The best replacement for R-22 depends on your system's configuration. Because R-22 is fully phased out, the most common drop-in substitutes are R-438A (MO99), R-407C, and RS-44b (R-453A). These allow for system retrofits, though complete system replacement is often recommended for aging units.
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.