In HVAC and refrigeration systems, no two distinct refrigerants can be mixed in the field. Doing so causes severe pressure and temperature anomalies, creates highly inefficient chemical blends, and is strictly prohibited by law.
Before we even get deep into it, we're gonna answer this for you: NO! Mixing refrigerants can lead to lots of problems with your HVAC system—we're talking major, irreversible damage. Mixing different types of refrigerant can cost you big time in the long run.
No, you should never mix R22 and 134a refrigerants. Doing so causes severe chemical and mechanical problems that will ruin the compressor and void equipment warranties.
In the figure, the notation such as R32 + R134a (90/10) indicates that R32 is a mixed refrigerant of 90 wt% and R134a is 10 wt%. As shown in FIG. 3, it can be seen that mixing R134a (or R1234yf) with R32 suppresses the discharge temperature.
No, you should never mix R407C and R22 in the same air conditioning system. Doing so can cause unstable pressures, damage the compressor, and is prohibited by environmental regulations.
Why You Can't Mix R22 and R410A Systems. The idea of simply substituting R22 for R410A—or vice versa—sounds like it could save time and money. But it's neither safe nor mechanically feasible. R410A operates at significantly higher pressures than R22.
R22 uses mineral oil. R407C requires POE oil. Mixing them prevents oil circulation, starves the compressor, and causes mechanical failures.
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.
The Key Differences Between R22 & R32
R22 loses on both fronts. This gas has a medium ozone depletion potential, which is too high to be approved for any use. Meanwhile, its global warming potential is 1810. R32 has a zero ozone depletion potential and a GWP of 675.
No, you should never mix R12 and R134a. Mixing these two refrigerants causes severe chemical and mechanical problems.
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.
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.
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-410A is currently being phased out in the United States and globally due to its high Global Warming Potential (GWP). While existing systems can still be legally operated and repaired, the manufacturing and installation of new R-410A systems are coming to an end.
No, the compressor will fail. These two refrigerants have very different properties. One of R22 and R134a is high pressure and the other is low pressure. They don't mix chemically and don't have the same boiling point, leading to inefficiencies and eventual compressor failure.
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.
As of January 1, 2020, the United States banned the use of the R22 refrigerant, commonly known as Freon.
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.
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.
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.
The $5,000 rule is a guideline to help homeowners decide whether to repair or replace their HVAC system. You multiply the age of your unit by the cost of the needed repair. If that number exceeds $5,000, replacing your HVAC system is often more cost-effective.