The best alternative for an R-22 system depends on whether you are retrofitting an existing unit or buying a new one. For existing R-22 equipment, R-438A (Freon MO99) and R-407C are the most common retrofits. For entirely new HVAC systems, modern low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) options like R-454B and R-32 are standard.
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.
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.
You cannot just switch refrigerants because R410-A and R-22 have different chemical properties. R410-A operates at a higher pressure. If you put R410-A into an R-22 system, the parts will rupture due to the increased force. You can convert your current system to one that runs on R-410A, but the cost will be high.
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.
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.
R22 refrigerant is illegal to import and manufacturer in the U.S. But it's not illegal for anyone to buy R22 freon. And it's not illegal to sell it IF you have a license. As long as the stocks last, you will be able to continue purchasing R22 from specialized dealers and form your air conditioning company.
Putting R-410A into an R-22 air conditioning system is a severe mistake that will cause the system to fail. Because R-410A operates at pressures roughly 50% to 60% higher than R-22, the system's compressor, coils, and refrigerant lines will be subjected to dangerous stress that can cause them to burst or blow seals.
Yes, eligible R-410A equipment can still be legally installed.
Homeowners without EPA certification are not authorized to purchase or recharge systems with r410a refrigerant. Doing so could violate federal law and void manufacturer warranties on your HVAC system. Even if you find listings online that suggest otherwise, be cautious.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The best drop-in (or near-drop-in) replacements for R-22 are R-438A (Freon MO99), R-422B (NU-22B), and R-453A (RS-44b). These HFC blends allow you to retrofit your system without requiring a full flush of the existing mineral oil.
Common replacements for R-22 refrigerant in older AC systems include R-407C, R-421A, R-438A (MO99), and R-422D. These are "drop-in" or "retrofit" blends that do not require replacing the entire system, though a professional, thorough retrofit is necessary. R-410A was formerly common, but new systems now use lower GWP options like R-454B or R-32.
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.
Meaning the phase out of R22 has been planned for almost 30 years. So in summary, it's true, the EPA has mandated that no new “virgin” “HCFC 22” can be manufactured or imported after 2020 due to its effect on the environment.
You can no longer buy newly manufactured R-410A HVAC units. The production of new R-410A equipment was legally prohibited in the United States starting January 1, 2025. Today, manufacturers exclusively produce units that use low-Global Warming Potential (GWP) alternative refrigerants like R-32 or R-454B.
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.
Converting an R-22 system to R-410A is not a simple refrigerant swap. Because R-410A operates at significantly higher pressures and uses different synthetic oils (POE) compared to R-22's mineral oil, you must replace the compressor, condenser, and evaporator, or install an entirely new, matched HVAC system.
For the R22 system this temperature difference was 2.8 °C (5.0 °F). For the R410A system this temperature difference was 3.3 °C (6.0 °F).
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.
The most expensive refrigerants are heavily regulated, ozone-depleting substances that have been phased out, alongside newly developed, complex hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) blends.
No, you should never intentionally mix R-22 and MO99 (R-438A).