R-123 (HCFC-123) is a low-pressure refrigerant primarily used in large-tonnage centrifugal chillers for commercial and industrial air conditioning. It was developed as a high-efficiency, lower-ozone-depleting replacement for the banned R-11, and is also used in gas leak testing and certain fire suppression systems.
Yes, R-12 refrigerant is still legally available. While its manufacture was banned decades ago, you can still purchase existing and reclaimed supplies.
Opteon™ XP30 (R-514A) refrigerant is a non-ozone depleting, low global warming potential (GWP) hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) based replacement for R-123.
R-12 (also widely known by the trademarked name Freon) was phased out because it is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) that destroys the Earth's vital ozone layer.
Non-flammable material. Overexposure may cause dizziness and loss of concentration. At higher levels, CNS depression and cardiac arrhythmia may result from exposure. Vapors displace air and can cause asphyxiation in confined spaces.
The most common toxic refrigerant is ammonia, and you would generally only find it in old appliances or large industrial applications.
No, R-123 is not a high-pressure refrigerant; it is classified as a low-pressure refrigerant.
The most common and practical replacement for R12 (Freon) in automotive and stationary systems is R134a. However, switching from R12 to R134a requires retrofitting, which involves replacing the system's O-rings, accumulator/drier, and flushing the old mineral oil out for a compatible PAG or POE synthetic oil.
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.
Many Amish homes are built with plenty of windows to help circulate the air and bring in the cooler overnight temperatures. They open the windows on the top floors to help the heat escape while the family retreats to the lower grounds within their homes for comfort.
Refrigerant can only be sold to technicians certified under the Section 608 or Section 609 technician certification programs, where individuals may only purchase refrigerant consistent with the appliances covered by their certification.
The boiling point of refrigerant R-123 (also known as Dichlorotrifluoroethane) is exactly 82.1∘F82.1 raised to the composed with power F82.1∘F (27.8∘C27.8 raised to the composed with power C27.8∘C) at standard atmospheric pressure (14.7 psia).
Yes, you can buy R-32 refrigerant in the USA. It is widely used for modern residential HVAC systems. While EPA Section 608 certification is often required for bulk purchases, small consumer cans (e.g., 1.8 lbs) can be purchased without a license by simply filling out a disclaimer.
RS-24 is an easy-to-use Drop-in replacement for R12, There is no need to change the existing lubricant in the system, thereby avoiding a costly retrofit.
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. Many chillers, appliances, and cars manufactured before the ban are still in operation.
R-12 Freon is highly valued due to a ban on its production, making it expensive for vintage car and machinery maintenance. Expect to pay about $60 to $100 per pound.
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.
Because R-32 is a highly efficient, single-component refrigerant, it is expected to remain a standard in the HVAC industry for 15 to 20+ years. As the primary replacement for older R-410A systems, it complies with modern EPA guidelines to significantly reduce hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) emissions.
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.
R134a is a safer replacement for R12. Another major difference is the type of oil both refrigerators require. R12 is compatible with mineral oil, and most R12 systems use this. R134a uses Polyalkylene Glycol (PAG) oil.
Yes, R32 is not only currently available, but it is the primary EPA-approved replacement for older refrigerants like R410A in new ductless and mini-split air conditioning systems.
No, R-12 and R-22 are not compatible and should never be mixed. Using the wrong refrigerant can cause severe system damage, compressor failure, and is illegal under EPA regulations.
The boiling point of refrigerant R-123 (also known as Dichlorotrifluoroethane) is exactly 82.1∘F82.1 raised to the composed with power F82.1∘F (27.8∘C27.8 raised to the composed with power C27.8∘C) at standard atmospheric pressure (14.7 psia).
R32 operating pressures heavily depend on outdoor temperatures and system loads, but in typical air conditioning mode, the suction (low-side) pressure is roughly 110–160 psi and the discharge (high-side) pressure is about 350–450 psi.
R32 refrigerant is a lower-flammability (A2L) gas that can cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, or rapid suffocation by reducing oxygen in enclosed spaces. Skin or eye contact with leaking liquid causes severe frostbite, and it can cause dangerous irregular heart rhythms if inhaled in high concentrations.