Yes, R-422B (often sold as NU-22B) is an EPA-approved, non-ozone-depleting retrofit replacement for R-22 in air conditioning and commercial refrigeration systems.
Yes, R-422B (often sold as NU-22B) is a "near" drop-in replacement for R-22 in most residential and commercial air conditioning and refrigeration systems. It is designed to safely mimic R-22 operating pressures without requiring an expensive, time-consuming compressor oil change.
Because R-22 is an ozone-depleting refrigerant that has been phased out, you cannot simply "top off" an old R-22 system with a new gas. The most common R-22 drop-in replacements—such as R-438A (Freon MO99), R-407C, and R-422D—are engineered to safely retrofit your existing system.
No, you cannot directly mix or "top off" an existing R22 charge with RS-44b (R453A).
R-422B (often sold as Freon™ NU-22B™) is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant primarily used as a direct "drop-in" or retrofit replacement for the phased-out R-22 refrigerant in older air conditioning and commercial refrigeration systems.
Yes, NU-22 (specifically NU-22B) is a brand name for the refrigerant R-422B. They refer to the same product.
Consequently, RS44B can be used to replace R22 in both air conditioning and refrigeration applications across the temperature range where R22 is commonly used.
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.
There are no refrigerants that can be safely or legally mixed directly into a system with R-22. Doing so can cause catastrophic compressor failure, severe pressure inconsistencies, and oil breakdown.
Yes, an R-410A compressor can technically be used with R-22, but it is not recommended without significant mechanical adjustments and carries performance risks.
Can you mix R422D with R-22? No, mixing R422D with R-22 is not recommended. The two refrigerants have different properties, and mixing them could reduce efficiency and damage the system.
Prior to 2020, you could still obtain this obsolete product, which is also known as Freon. Although EPA rules prohibited the sale of new systems using R-22 in 2010, HVAC technicians could still buy, sell, and use R-22 to service existing systems. But not anymore! R-22 is now very difficult to source and very expensive.
Since Freon MO99 is the closest capacity match to R-22, compared with most of the other no-oil change refrigerants, it will reach the desired set point before other, lower-capacity refrigerants. With Freon MO99, residents are unlikely to know a different refrigerant is even being used.
For many contractors seeking an easier path to replacing R22, R422D has become a go-to answer for what is replacing r22 freon. Known commercially under names like Freon™ MO29, R422D was developed specifically as a drop-in replacement for R22 in existing air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
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, NU-22B is a direct drop-in replacement for R-22. It is compatible with most existing R-22 components and oils.
The best drop-in (or near-drop-in) replacements for R-22 are R-438A (Freon MO99), R-422B (NU-22B), and R-453A (RS-44b). These HFC blends allow you to retrofit your system without requiring a full flush of the existing mineral oil.
While true "drop-in" replacements are largely a myth (no alternative performs identically to R22 without adjustments), you can safely retrofit your system. Popular R22 retrofit options include R-453A (RS-44b), R-421A, and MO99 (R-438A).
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.
ALTERNATIVE REFRIGERANTS
R-458A TdX 20 by Bluon is a blend of five commercially used refrigerants. It delivers virtually identical capacity performance, significant energy savings, and extended equipment life. MO99 (R-438R) by Freon offers the closest performance match to R-22.
Mixing R22 with R407C
According to the 609 EPA rule, mixing refrigerants is illegal and anybody caught doing so will be heavily fined. Although you may this restriction is primarily political we would like to give you a basic education to explain the two most devastating effects of such action: To the environment.
No, you cannot directly mix or "top off" an existing R22 charge with RS-44b (R453A).
R-422B should always be removed from the cylinder and charged into the system as a liquid.
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.