What happens if you put R-22 in a R-134a system?

Author: Aniyah Bednar  |  Last update: Friday, October 17, 2025

They operate with a very different pressure temperature relationship. The main concerns would be that everything isn't sized for 22 but for 134a. So you might luck out but more than likely the unit will not function properly and may fail earlier.

Can I use R22 in a R134a system?

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.

What happens if you mix R22 with another refrigerant?

R-22 systems are typically about 300 psi maximum. If you add R-22 to an R-134a system, you will not get close to the rated cooling capacity of the A/C system. In conclusion, do not mix R-22 with R-134a refrigerants, you will ruin the charge, and possibly seriously damage or destroy your A/C system.

Can you top off R22 with R134a?

Mixing refrigerants is always a no-no.

Is it illegal to recharge AC with R22?

As of January 1, 2020, production and import of R22 refrigerant will be illegal in the United States. Of course, continued use of your air conditioner (AC) or heat pump system using R22 refrigerant is allowed.

Is Topping off R22 Systems with other Refrigerants OK (REALLY)??

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

If you use R-22 in the same system as R-410a, the compressor is going to be trying to work two different fluids through the same coils as both refrigerants respond differently to different mechanical situations. As you might imagine, this isn't going to go well for your air conditioner or heat pump.

What year will R22 production be totally banned?

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.

What is the difference between R22 and 134a freon?

R134a and R22

The capacity of R134a is smaller than that of R22, and the pressure is lower than that of R22. Due to these features, an R134a air conditioner with the same capacity must be equipped with a larger compressor with a larger evaporator, condenser, and piping.

What refrigerant can I substitute for R22?

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.

What refrigerant is compatible with R134a?

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 kind of freon can you mix with R-22?

The answer is no, refrigerants should not be mixed.

Why is R-22 refrigerant illegal?

R22 has been banned due to its high ozone-depleting potential. R22 leaks are highly toxic and can damage the environment and people's health. The use of R22 freon in air conditioning units has been restricted & banned from being used in any new products.

What happens if you mix different types of freon?

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 happens if you put R12 in an R134a system?

As previously stated, R12 systems usually use mineral oil, which is incompatible with R134a. When R134a comes into contact with mineral oil, it can hinder the oil from returning to the compressor, or possibly reduce heat transfer.

What are the alternative refrigerants for R134a?

Some notable substitutes for R134a [10] in AAC based on the preceding studies are R1234yf [[11], [12], [13], [14]], R1234z (E) [[15], [16], [17]], R152a [[18], [19], [20]], R290 [21,22], R744 [[23], [24], [25]], R430A [26,27], and R444A [28], etc.

Can I recharge R22 myself?

As of Jan 1 2020, R22 refrigerant has been completely phased out worldwide due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer. It is no longer being produced. 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.

Can R134a be replaced with R-22?

Comparing the heat pump performance of the several operating refrigerants, it was found that R134a provides the most practical replacement for R22, specifically for low-temperature situations [43] .

Will AutoZone recharge my AC?

An AC leak will lead to warmer air from your vents over time. In most cases this can be fixed with a proven stop leak additive to seal up any leaks. When it's time for an AC recharge, turn to AutoZone.

Can you 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.

What will replace R134a refrigerant?

A High-Performing Alternative to R-134a

Opteon™ XL10 (R-1234yf) refrigerant is a non-ozone depleting (ODP) hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) option that meets the industry's growing demands for sustainable, safe, and effective solutions.

Is R134a refrigerant banned?

The same two refrigerants and 19 others are being listed as unacceptable in new cold storage warehouses from January 1, 2023. The banning of R134a, along with 27 other refrigerants, in new domestic refrigerators and freezers from January 1, 2021, is expected to open the way for the use of hydrocarbon refrigerants.

Can I replace R134a with R407C?

Yes, there is an identified replacement for R134a, HFO1234yf, which GM will use. The future for R407C is uncertain. Other things to consider; R407C is a blend which requires total change replacement after 50% loss of charge; this also limits the reuse of refrigerant on site and the recycling of the used refrigerant.

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.

How much does R22 freon cost per pound?

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.

Are R-22 coils still available?

For many years, R-22 has been the most widely-used refrigerant; however, it's an ozone-depleting substance. Due to the negative effects of R-22 on the environment, U.S. consumers and retailers are no longer allowed to produce, import or sell R-22 refrigerant after it was banned about two years ago.

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