Low-temperature (and ultra-low-temperature) refrigeration typically uses specific synthetic gases (like R-23 or R-508B), hydrocarbons (like ethane or ethylene), or natural gases (like carbon dioxide and nitrogen) depending on the target temperature.
As a medium- and high-temperature refrigerant, R-134a is not usually used in low-temperature applications. R-134a loses some capacity when compared to R-12 in low-temperature applications.
Freon™ 123 refrigerant is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) replacement for the chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) R-11 in centrifugal chillers. Benefits of using Freon™ 123 include: Low ozone depletion and excellent environmental properties.
R-22 is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerant that has historically been a standard choice for medium and low-temperature cooling applications.
R404A soon became the most widely used refrigerant for medium to low temperature refrigeration throughout Europe. The supermarket industry soon adopted R404A as its refrigerant of choice not just for supermarkets but also for cold and frozen storage in their vast array of storage facilities.
Although it doesn't harm the ozone layer, R404A has a GWP almost 4,000 times higher than CO₂, making it a significant contributor to global warming. Due to its environmental impact, countries, including Australia, are phasing it out and encouraging the use of eco-friendly refrigerants like CO₂ and R290.
Refrigeration capacity
Under medium and low temperature conditions, the cooling capacity of R404A is higher than that of R134a. It has a higher gas density and a higher evaporation pressure. Therefore, it can take away more heat when the compressor speed is the same. R134a has a lower gas density.
Because of environmental regulations, you cannot buy R-22, but an HVAC company can purchase R-22. It's getting harder to find R-22 refrigerant for sale, but some HVAC supply houses and online stores have a limited amount that has been recovered, recycled, and reclaimed from retired units.
R422B is a refrigerant you can use to replace R22 without major system changes. It's also sold as NU-22B. It has an A1 safety rating, which means it is non-toxic and non-flammable. That makes it safe for most commercial and residential systems.
R-410A, which is also known as Puron, emerged as the leading alternative to R-22. This hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant is less damaging to the ozone, making it a more environmentally conscious choice.
HCFC-22, commonly referred to as R-22, is used as a refrigerant in many applications, including residential air conditioning (AC) systems.
By 01 January 2025, imports shall have been reduced by 67.5% based on the recorded baseline consumption in ODP tonnes. By this date, all importation of HCFC-123 as cooling agent for chillers and as fire extinguishing agent will likewise be absolutely prohibited, except for the servicing sector.
While the production of new R12 is banned, it is not illegal to sell or use R12. In fact, many of the cylinders and cans of Freon R12 sold for decades throughout the United States are still around today.
Yes, R-12 generally blows colder and cools a vehicle faster than R-134a. R-12 has a slightly lower boiling point (-29.8∘Cnegative 29.8 raised to the composed with power C−29.8∘C vs. -26.5∘Cnegative 26.5 raised to the composed with power C−26.5∘C) and a higher cooling capacity, allowing older systems to achieve noticeably colder vent temperatures on hot days.
No, R-134a and R-1234yf are different air conditioning refrigerants. R-1234yf is a modern, eco-friendly replacement for the older R-134a. They are not interchangeable due to different chemical compositions, operating pressures, required lubricants, and safety features.
If an automotive refrigerant is introduced into a house AC system, the compressor may not function properly due to mismatched pressure requirements. This can lead to inefficient cooling, increased wear on system components, and potential damage.
R-410A is currently being phased down rather than fully banned, with the production of new R-410A equipment already banned. The remaining supply will be gradually reduced by 85% through 2036.
No, R32 and R410A are not the same. While they are both hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants, they have different compositions and cannot be swapped.
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.
January 1, 2025: Manufacturers stopped producing new R-410A residential split systems and heat pumps. Equipment manufactured before this date can still be sold and installed. January 1, 2026: The original deadline for installing R-410A split systems manufactured before 2025.
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.
As of January 1, 2020, the United States banned the use of the R22 refrigerant, commonly known as Freon.
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.
R-22 is banned because it is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) that severely damages the earth's ozone layer and contributes to global climate change. Under the international Montreal Protocol and the U.S. EPA regulations, the production and import of R-22 were phased out to protect public health and the environment.