Popular, EPA-compliant "drop-in" substitutes for R-22 include R-438A (Freon MO99) and R-407C. These allow you to retrofit older R-22 systems without completely replacing the air conditioner or changing the existing compressor oil.
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.
MO99 (R-438R) by Freon offers the closest performance match to R-22.
R417A refrigerant is an HFC mixture that serves as a substitute for R22. It is compatible with traditional lubricants. In most cases, the lubricant type does not need to be changed in the event of retrofitting.
No, you cannot directly replace R-22 with R-410A. They are chemically distinct and cannot be mixed.
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.
Starting in January 2025, the production and import of R-410A for use in new HVAC systems will be prohibited. This means that all new commercial and industrial air conditioning units must utilize alternative refrigerants with lower environmental impact, such as A2L refrigerants like R-32 or R-454B.
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.
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.
No, you should not put R-134a into an R-22 system. Mixing them or using R-134a as a direct drop-in is dangerous and will likely destroy your system.
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.
There is no perfect drop-in replacement for R22 that requires zero adjustments, as no alternative shares the exact same pressure, temperature, and oil-carrying characteristics. However, several retrofit refrigerants are used as near drop-ins.
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.
An R-22 Refrigerant Replacement for Direct Expansion Refrigeration. Freon™ MO29 (R-422D) refrigerant is a low-toxicity, non-ozone depleting hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) replacement for R-22.
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.
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).
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 most common r22 replacement refrigerants include R407C, R422D, and R438A (MO99).
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.
No, you should never mix MO99 (R-438A) with R-22.
No, you cannot directly replace R-22 with R-410A. They are chemically distinct and cannot be mixed.
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.
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+.