Is R22 the same as R32?

Author: Rudolph Beatty III  |  Last update: Thursday, January 8, 2026

The Key Differences Between R22 & R32 R22 loses on both fronts. This gas has a medium ozone depletion potential, which is too high to be approved for any use. Meanwhile, its global warming potential is 1810. R32 has a zero ozone depletion potential and a GWP of 675.

Is R22 and R32 compatible?

Compatibility: R32 is compatible with existing air conditioning systems that use R22 and R410A, making it a suitable alternative for retrofitting existing systems. However, it's important to consider compatibility with the specific system and components before retrofitting to R32.

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.

What refrigerant can replace R32?

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 refrigerant can I substitute for R22?

The primary replacement refrigerant for R-22 is R-410A. R-410A is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) that does not deplete the ozone layer and has a higher efficiency compared to R-22. As R-22 is being phased out due to environmental regulations, other alternatives that have gained attention include:

R32 vs r22 refrigerant which is better and operating pressures

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.

Is R32 a drop in replacement for R22?

Although the drop-in replacement of R22 to R32 reduces the performance of the A/C system, but since GWP of R32 (650) is relatively low compared to R22 (1818), the use of R32 as working fluid will significantly reduce the emission of global warming compound in the atmosphere.

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 I put R410A in a R32 system?

Can a R32 system be charged with R410A or vice versa? Daikin The simple answer is no. The operating characteristics of both refrigerants are different and the systems have been designed accordingly. One example is that the compressor runs hotter for a R32 system so the compressor design will be different.

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 refrigerant is now illegal?

R-22 (Chlorodifluoromethane), also known as R22 Freon or HCFC-22 Freon, was a common refrigerant for HVAC systems. It is now a banned refrigerant that is illegal to import or manufacture.

Can I put R134a in a R32 system?

However, the mixture R32/R134a in the NRC will result in a better performance. The maximal COP can be improved in a range of 8–9% over that of the CRC, and the volumetric refrigerating capacity can be approximately increased by 9.5%.

Is R32 freon legal in the US?

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.

Do I 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 anyone buy R32 refrigerant?

Only Section 608 certified technicians can purchase refrigerants intended for use with stationary refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment.

Can I use R22 instead of R32?

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

What is a good replacement refrigerant for R22?

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

Can you mix R22 with any other refrigerant?

With the R22 phase out in 2020 due to its environmental impact, this is a common question for those looking to upgrade their system or change the refrigerant in their system. The answer is no, refrigerants should not be mixed.

What can you replace R32 with?

There are many lower-GWP refrigerants available. 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.

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.

What HVAC manufacturers are going to use R32?

LG leads the way with R32 refrigerant

Now builders can take advantage of the many benefits of R32 refrigerant for their homeowners with LG solutions and technologies as a refrigerant that reliably keeps homes warm and cool.

How much is a pound of R22?

R-22 refrigerant prices range from $90 to $250 per pound. Since you'll need between 6 and 12 pounds to refill a home AC, costs can reach between $660 and $2,400 for a refill of R-22 refrigerant.

Why was R22 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.

What is the new refrigerant for 2025?

What refrigerant will replace R-410A in 2025? For whole-home systems, Lennox has chosen 2025 Compliant Refrigerant R-454B due to its excellent performance for ducted systems and zero ozone depletion potential. For mini-splits, we selected R-32, designed to optimize efficiency and reliability in ductless systems.

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