Refrigerants should never be mixed, but you can safely replace R-22 in an existing system with "drop-in" (retrofit) replacements. Compatible alternatives include R-407C, R-422D (Freon™ MO29), Freon™ MO99 (R-438A), and R-453a (RS-44b).
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.
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.
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.
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, MO99 (also known as R-438A) is a direct, "no-oil-change" drop-in replacement for R-22. It is specifically engineered to replace R-22 in residential and commercial air conditioning, heat pumps, and refrigeration systems.
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.
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.
No, you cannot directly replace R-22 with R-410A. They are chemically distinct and cannot be mixed.
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.
Freon™ MO29 (R-422D) refrigerant is a low-toxicity, non-ozone depleting hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) replacement for R-22.
Using R134a as a replacement for R22 is generally not recommended. R134a has a much lower cooling capacity (resulting in ≈25%−60% less cooling power), operates at different pressures, and uses incompatible compressor oils. Attempting to mix them can quickly cause your system's compressor to fail.
Freon™ 407C has been a popular R-22 replacement because of its properties, which include: Similar cooling capacity, energy efficiency, and pressures as R-22 in systems. An ability to be topped off after a leak, multiple times, with minimal impact on system performance.
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.
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).
R-22 is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerant commonly known by its trade name, Freon™. For decades, it was the standard chemical used in residential and commercial air conditioning systems, but it is now obsolete for new equipment due to its severe environmental impact.
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.
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. Due to complexity, safety concerns, training and licensing required we do not recommend doing this without having a trained professional onsite.
As of January 1, 2020, the United States banned the use of the R22 refrigerant, commonly known as Freon.
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.
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.
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.
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.
R-22 is extremely expensive because it has been legally phased out. Driven by federal environmental regulations, skyrocketing supply chain costs, and contractor labor rates, prices range from $100 to $300+ per pound, meaning a standard refill can cost between $800 and $2,000+.
Adding refrigerant to your central A/C system isn't something you should need to do regularly. In fact, a properly functioning system is designed to run efficiently without requiring frequent refills. On average, most central air conditioning systems need to have the refrigerant replaced ever two to five years.