What happens if you mix different types of freon?

Author: Cornelius Cummings  |  Last update: Friday, January 23, 2026

If you were to mix refrigerants, it would cause all kinds of damage to your system. Your AC unit would likely overheat. Different refrigerants can be different temperatures. They don't mix, which means you'll have refrigerants with two different temperatures running through your unit.

Can you mix different types of Freon?

No, mixing different refrigerants in air conditioning systems is not recommended. It can lead to inefficiency, chemical reactions that damage system components, safety hazards, and environmental impact. Stick to the refrigerant specified by the manufacturer to ensure proper operation and safety of the system.

What happens if you accidentally put 410a in a R22 system?

Since R410A refrigerant is charged under higher pressure, charging an R22 system with it will increase the force within the coolant lines. The pressure can become high enough for parts of the system to rupture. At the very least, leaks will occur. Mixing refrigerants is not an option either.

What happens if you mix R22 and R134a?

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.

Can I put R134a in a R410A system?

An environmentally more benign refrigerant for replacing refrigerant R410A includes a majority portion of refrigerant R32 and a minority portion of refrigerant R134a, the volumetric capacity of the replacement refrigerant permitting it to be used as a near or exact drop-in replacement for refrigerant R410A in terms of ...

Dangers of Mixing R22 with Other Refrigerants: What Happens in Refrigeration & AC Systems?

Can you mix R-410A with R-22?

Never mix R-22 and R-410a. Unless of course you are looking to destroy your HVAC system, then, by all means, go live that dream.

What happens if you put R134a in a R32 system?

In the figure, the notation such as R32 + R134a (90/10) indicates that R32 is a mixed refrigerant of 90 wt% and R134a is 10 wt%. As shown in FIG. 3, it can be seen that mixing R134a (or R1234yf) with R32 suppresses the discharge temperature.

What happens if you put the wrong freon?

Like oil and water different refrigerants do not mix, so you have different temperatures cycling through your system. This can lead your AC system to overheat and a burnt motor, a costly repair.

What freon is compatible with 134a?

There are three refrigerants that can be used to replace R-134a: R-1234yf, R-152a, and R-744. More on these replacements later.

What are the consequences of mixing refrigerants?

Mixing ODS and non-ODS refrigerants can result in chemical reactions that produce harmful byproducts or increase the risk of leaks. These byproducts can be toxic, corrosive, or flammable, posing a danger to occupants and technicians working with the system.

Are they banning 410A freon?

In December 2022, the EPA unveiled a refrigerant ban that will go into effect between 2025 and 2026 (depending on the industry). The result? R-410A is out, shaking up the HVACR industry, which relies heavily on this refrigerant.

How much does it cost to convert R-22 to R-410A?

How much will an R-22 to R-410A conversion cost? The actual cost will depend on many things, including where you live, but most of the time R-22 conversions start at around $2,000 and go up from there. The higher end of that range is somewhere around $4,500 to $4,600.

Does R-410A get as cold as R-22?

In fact, R410A can cool a room slightly faster with less energy. Efficient performance is a significant benefit of R410A. However, it works the same way as R22 in absorbing heat to provide cooling. But R410A doesn't make a room any colder than its predecessor.

Can you put different refrigerant in an R-22 system?

Never mix refrigerants, or "top off" a system running on R-22 with a 400-Series blend. Once the R-22 is removed and the new refrigerant is charged into the unit, the system can be topped off with the new refrigerant.

Can you mix different brands of 134a refrigerant?

You're wondering if you can mix different refrigerants for your air conditioning system. The short-long-only answer is no, never. There are many reasons why it's impractical, illegal, and not economical for a homeowner to mix refrigerant types.

Can you mix r1234yf and R134a?

Refrigerant types are not to be mixed. The usage of dyes and sealants is discouraged.

Why was R134a banned?

Why Is R-134A Being Phased Out? When Is the Phaseout Expected to Conclude? Like a lot of '90s relics, R-134A has not aged well. It was known then that 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane could potentially contribute to acid rain and that its ozone layer depletion potential was high.

Can you mix R22 and R134a together?

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.

Is it illegal to put 134A in a 1234yf system?

Still, the answer is an emphatic, “No.” Not only would a retrofit of this type negate the environmental benefits of R-1234yf, but it would also be a violation of Federal Law under Section 203 of the Clean Air Act: “tampering” with a vehicle's emissions control device.

Can you mix refrigerant types?

If you were to mix refrigerants, it would cause all kinds of damage to your system. Your AC unit would likely overheat. Different refrigerants can be different temperatures. They don't mix, which means you'll have refrigerants with two different temperatures running through your unit.

What are the symptoms of mixed refrigerant?

Indeed, mixed refrigerants can cause increased system pressures and temperatures, resulting in ineffective compressor cooling, reduced cooling, possible compressor damage, metering device malfunction, and inadequate oil return to the compressor, said Eugene Silberstein, director of technical education and standards, ...

Is it illegal to mix refrigerants?

It is not only uneconomical and impractical to mix different types of refrigerants, but it can also be dangerous. Along with that, it is illegal to mix refrigerants. So, not only does it make sense to use the right kind of refrigerant for your system, but it's also the law.

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.

Is it illegal to vent R134a?

R134a is not an ozone-destroying agent, but it is a greenhouse gas, and is illegal to vent as well.

Can you top off R22 with R134a?

Mixing refrigerants is always a no-no.

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