Replacing R12 refrigerant requires choosing a substitute based on whether you are working on an automotive air conditioning system or stationary commercial refrigeration, as R12 is a banned CFC. The best replacement options range from direct “drop-in” chemical blends to hydrocarbon alternatives that don't require changing your existing compressor oil.
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.
When finding an R12 compatible refrigerant, the best choice depends on whether you are doing a full system conversion (retrofitting) or looking for a direct "drop-in" substitute. Here are the primary options:
RS-24 is a “Drop-in” alternative for R12 which also provides a long term solution at the same time.
In order to legally use R134a refrigerant in an R12 system, it must be converted or retrofitted to be able to properly use R134a, and all R12 must be properly discharged and captured prior to charging with R134a.
Converting an R12 air conditioning system to R134a is possible, but it requires a full retrofit. Because R134a operates at higher pressures and uses different oil, you must evacuate the old refrigerant, flush the system, replace the O-rings, install a new receiver-dryer, change the oil, and add service port adapters.
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.
The properties of RS-24 make it an almost perfect match for R12 with its compatibility for traditional and synthetic lubricants, similar performance, lower discharge temperature, non-flammability and relatively short atmospheric lifetime.
R600a (isobutane) is refrigerant grade isobutane used as a replacement for R12 and R134a in a variety of refrigeration applications. R600a (isobutane) is a hydrocarbon that is becoming increasingly popular due to its low Global Warming Potential (GWP).
Freon™ Hot Shot-2 (R-417C) is a non-ozone depleting A1 refrigerant that can be used as a direct replacement into existing systems that are still operating with R-12, R-134a, or R-500.
No, you cannot use R22 instead of R12.
An HCFC Replacement Refrigerant for R-12
Freon™ 409A carries an ASHRAE A1 safety classification and blends R-22, R-142b, and R-124. It can be used in medium- and low-temperature positive displacement equipment.
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.
When finding an R12 compatible refrigerant, the best choice depends on whether you are doing a full system conversion (retrofitting) or looking for a direct "drop-in" substitute. Here are the primary options:
Automotive service technicians depend on Freon™ 134a (R-134a) refrigerant, a non-ozone depleting hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) replacement for R-12. Freon™ 134a is the standard in many mobile air conditioning (AC) units, and also replaces R-12 in: Commercial stationary refrigeration systems.
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.
So carmakers were mandated to stop using R12 after the 1994 model year. One current replacement refrigerant is R134a - opens in new window or tab., which serves the same purpose as Freon but is less harmful to the environment. Freon is the well-known trademarked name for dichlorodifluoromethane gas.
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.
What is the Difference Between Freon and R12? Just as not all R12 is Freon, not all types of Freon are R12 either. Refrigerant 12 is part of a class of refrigerants known as chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs. CFCs also include CFC-11 or R11, CFC-113 or R113, CFC-114 or R114, and CFC-500 or R500.
Converting an R12 air conditioning system to R134a is possible, but it requires a full retrofit. Because R134a operates at higher pressures and uses different oil, you must evacuate the old refrigerant, flush the system, replace the O-rings, install a new receiver-dryer, change the oil, and add service port adapters.
Yes, R-12 refrigerant is still legally available. While its manufacture was banned decades ago, you can still purchase existing and reclaimed supplies.
Using pure propane (R-290) in an automotive R-12 air conditioning system is not recommended and is illegal in the United States. While propane has similar thermodynamic properties, it is highly flammable. Federal EPA laws strictly prohibit venting or using hydrocarbon replacements in motor vehicle AC systems.
Yes, using existing R-12 refrigerant is perfectly legal. However, because it was phased out due to ozone depletion, its production has long been banned. You can only use recycled/reclaimed stock or drop-in replacements, and certified technicians must handle it.
No, PAG (Polyalkylene Glycol) oil is not compatible with R12 refrigerant.
As of January 1, 2020, the United States banned the use of the R22 refrigerant, commonly known as Freon.