R-422B is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant blend used primarily as a direct, "drop-in" retrofit replacement for legacy R-22 in residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC-R systems.
R422B can be used to COMPLETELY replace R-22 refrigerant in new or existing R-22 residential and commercial air conditioning systems as well as non-flooded evaporator chillers. Cannot be added to R-22 unless fully evacuated and recharged with 422B.
R-422B should always be removed from the cylinder and charged into the system as a liquid.
Mixing refrigerants is always a no-no.
Yes, R-422B is fully compatible with mineral oil. It contains a hydrocarbon component that thins the mineral oil and ensures it circulates properly back to the compressor. This makes it a popular drop-in replacement for R-22 systems, as it eliminates the need for expensive and time-consuming oil changes.
R-422B is compatible with Mineral Oil (MO), Alkylbenzene (AB), and Polyolester (POE) oils.
Mixing R407C with R22 is not advisable due to chemical, lubricant, and performance incompatibilities. Retrofitting R22 systems to use R407C requires professional handling. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and regulations for refrigerant use.
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.
Yes, R-422B (often sold as NU-22B) is a "near" drop-in replacement for R-22 in most residential and commercial air conditioning and refrigeration systems. It is designed to safely mimic R-22 operating pressures without requiring an expensive, time-consuming compressor oil change.
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-422B (often sold as Freon™ NU-22B™) is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant primarily used as a direct "drop-in" or retrofit replacement for the phased-out R-22 refrigerant in older air conditioning and commercial refrigeration systems.
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.
To get your car's AC blowing freezing cold air again, follow these steps, starting with quick fixes and moving to maintenance:
R422B is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant blend designed as a drop-in replacement for R22 in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. It is composed of R125, R134a, and R600a.
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.
Can you mix R422B with R-22? No, mixing R422B with R-22 is not recommended. The two refrigerants have different chemical properties, and mixing them can lead to reduced performance and potential system damage.
Do I need a license to buy R22 refrigerant? Yes. Only EPA Section 608 certified technicians can legally purchase and handle R22.
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+.
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. Never liquid charge into the low side, though.
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.
The "best" R22 replacement depends on whether you are doing a drop-in retrofit (using existing equipment) or upgrading the whole system. For retrofits, the top choices are R407C for maximum efficiency and R422D for easier compatibility. For long-term viability, replacing the system entirely with an R454B or R32 system is recommended.
Yes, R-422B is fully compatible with mineral oil. It contains a hydrocarbon component that thins the mineral oil and ensures it circulates properly back to the compressor. This makes it a popular drop-in replacement for R-22 systems, as it eliminates the need for expensive and time-consuming oil changes.
R22 uses mineral oil. R407C requires POE oil. Mixing them prevents oil circulation, starves the compressor, and causes mechanical failures.