Erin Doman on May 26, 2016 14 Comments Since determining that the common hydrochlorofluorocarbon refrigerant R-22, which has been in use for decades, is not as healthy for the environment as experts once thought, the Environmental Protection Agency has been working to phase out the refrigerant and will eventually ban it altogether. The phasing out of R-22 began in 2010, and further phasing out took place in 2015. By 2020, use of the refrigerant will be severely limited, and by 2030, it will be completely illegal. As more consumers work to ensure their refrigerant-based machinery and equipment will still work in their residences, businesses and industrial worksites, they are looking for environmentally-friendly, efficient and cost-effective freon alternatives. To help those looking to help phase out R-22, we have created this list of suitable replacements. Below, you will find four popular refrigerants that are safe and suitable alternatives to freon. Please note, each of these refrigerants have their own list of pros and cons, as well as many uses and safety precautions that should be taken into consideration. 1. R-134A A haloalkane refrigerant with thermodynamic properties, Norflurane is more commonly referred to as R-134A. R-134A is made of a single component and is not blended like most R-12 and R-22 alternatives are. Because of this, working with the refrigerant does not require the use of multiple recovery machines. According to Environmental Protection Agency regulations, any product using or recycling a blend requires a separate machine for each component. Currently, R-134A is the only approved alternative refrigerant to retrofit R-12 air conditioning systems in vehicles, which is also its most common use. However, retrofitting must follow proper procedures in order to avoid problems or safety hazards. Retrofitting is usually an easy procedure. Typically, the process includes changing out the vehicle’s accumulator or receiver/dryer, removing any old compressor oil and replacing the vehicle air conditioner’s high-pressure switch. Despite the easy process, it is still important to perform it carefully and thoroughly. If any R-22 is left in the system, it could result in cross-contamination. Cross-contamination of R-22 and R-134A can make the vehicle’s cooling system less reliable and might raise the compressor head’s pressure to dangerous levels that result in the system completely failing. Additionally, R-134A requires a special oil blend of either polyalylene or polyol ester. R-134A is considered better for the environment because it has what some experts consider an insignificant effect on the ozone layer – some claim it has an Ozone Depletion Potential of 0 – but some countries still are not convinced that it is the best alternative and have been phasing it out along with R-22. Even so, it is still available in the United States and can be purchased at the majority of auto shops and in the automotive department of most big box stores. 2. R-407C Because it has thermodynamic properties that closely correspond to those available in R-22, R-407C is a common replacement refrigerant for those who wish to retrofit their R-22 equipment. The mixture of hydrofluorocarbons includes a blend of pentafluoroethane, difluoromethane and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane. The widely accepted alternative refrigerant is popular in packaged air conditioners and ductless split systems and water chillers as well as in light air conditioning and direct expansion systems found in residential, commercial and industrial properties. R-407C also works in medium temperature refrigeration systems. R-407C is used in many newly manufactured appliances. New equipment that uses nitrogen as a holding charge works best with R-407C because of the use of polyol ester oil. While it is most common to put in new appliances and refrigeration systems, R-407C is able to be retrofitted on some R-22 systems as long as the procedure includes an oil change. This alternative to freon is considered safe for the environment due to its Ozone Depletion Potential of zero. Available in both cylinders and drums, R-407C can be purchased from reputable gas and refrigerant suppliers, many of which are available on Amazon.com. 3. R-404A Another widely accepted alternative to R-22, R-404A has an Ozone Depletion Potential of 0, just as R-407C and R-134A. This refrigerant is often used for refrigeration systems that require a temperature between -45° C and 15° C, which translates to between -49° F and 59° F, respectively. It is most useful in the commercial and industrial transport industries due to its wide temperature range. The refrigerant’s makeup is very similar to R-22 and sometimes offers improved performance. Because R-404A has no rapid reaction to air or water, it is considered safe for many uses. It is also non-flammable, colorless and odorless. However, as with any refrigerant, users should always take the appropriate safety precautions to protect themselves. Direct contact with R-404A can still cause frostbite, and exposing it to fire or high heat for too long can result in a ruptured tank, which will have a rocket-effect that you don’t want to be around. R-404A is fairly common and is available for purchase in stores that specialize in providing heating and cooling products. You may also find it available on Amazon.com. 4. R-410A A blend of two hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants, difluoromethane and pentafluoroethane, R-410A is a non-ozone-depleting refrigerant that provides better energy efficiency than both R-22 and R-407C and uses no chlorine in its makeup. It is considered more than suitable as an R-22 replacement due to its higher pressure and refrigeration capacity that results in better performance. Should users decide to purchase units that use R-410A, the process is usually quite easy. In fact, many companies that manufacture air conditioning and refrigeration equipment make units specifically for use with R-410A. While it is most popular in commercial refrigeration, air conditioning and chilling units, it is important to note that this alternative to Freon will not work in R-22 A/C units. Because R-410A has higher pressure, it requires a different manifold pressure gauge than what is typically used with R-22. The refrigerant must be charged in its liquid form and only in short bursts. R-410A is sold under several trademarks: AZ-20, Suva 410A, Genetron R410A, Forane 410A, EcoFluor R410 and Puron. It is fairly easy to buy online and in specialty heating and cooling stores. Choosing Your Alternative to Freon It might seem that 14 years is a long time to decide which refrigerant to use when retrofitting or replacing R-22 appliances and equipment, but because R-22’s prices will actually begin to rise as it becomes harder to find due to the required decreased production and use, it is a good idea to retrofit or replace items as soon as you can.
Van Burroughs says October 28, 2017 at 3:59 pm Well. I have four “old” vehicles (’97 Tahoe, 2000 Amigo, 2001 Chevy CrewCab 2500, 2002 Chevy “Express” 3500. I am fairly certain no one that has serviced the AC systems on my vehicles has been selective in the refrigerant they added to “fix” my ACs. Only one of these ACs has consistently performed well for more than one year. I’d like to standardize the type of refrigerant used on each in the hopes of becoming more belligerently involved in the AC system servicing in the hopes of getting these AC systems more capable of doing their jobs in the future and allowing me to know without question which refrigerant MUST be used. How can the type(s) of refrigerant installed be determined so I can safely perform the tasked mentioned in your excellent paper? I own an instruments and controls engineering and manufacturing firm and I am capable. Most likely we have the tools and facilities required. Reply
Gary says February 28, 2019 at 6:33 pm All of your vehicles listed use the same refrigerant, R-134a. Any vehicle sold in the U.S. from 1994 required R-134a. The replacement for R-134a is the new R-1234yf, a “slightly flammable” refrigerant that is mandatory in all vehicles beginning with the 2020 model year, however some vehicles are already using it in the U.S. The earlier applications of R-134a (closer to the 1994 model year) had some issues of not being as cold as the old R-12 equipped vehicles. R-12 systems tended to be the best in cooling performance (aka “freon”, which so many people use interchangeably with ANY refrigerant in their vehicles, which is wrong as “freon” only is applicable to R-12). If only one of your vehicles performs adequately, I suspect there’s problems your service guys are missing since all 4 use the same refrigerant (or are supposed to anyway). Reply
Paul S says May 22, 2019 at 6:45 pm R134a is the only refrigerant legally used in new automotive systems since 1994. Prior to that only R12 was used. There are other refrigerants used for home AC units but only these two have been used in cars. The hose fittings are different for units designed for the two types so it is unlikely that a mechanic would use the wrong one. Also R12 is expensive and very hard to find so don’t worry, your cars are almost certainly filled with R134a and always have been. Reply
Sushil kumar dash says January 10, 2018 at 10:45 pm Can you tell me. Which is the most important gas filling in split air conditioner.. Reply
jjr23 says January 31, 2018 at 1:52 pm you l need to use the gas specified for the appliance changing gas types requires more than just putting it in Freon has become the generic for a/c and refrigerant r-12 for pre 90s cars is fairly simple but useally compressors bad anyway. but r22 air conditioners are ageing and needing of repair and r22 refills expensive so if the compressor and or air handlers bad most likely used parts so replacement is really the best bet Reply
DB Cooper says June 8, 2018 at 3:43 pm In reference to Van, while he does make a good point, it just does not work like that. Much like the cars he writes about, there is a selection of fuels to use them with. Heavy pulling, speed, economy, temperature, would demand a certain fuel. Freon, the factors are equipment size, temperature range, load, efficiency, safety, all better at serving a certain purpose over the other. Reply
jr 23 says July 1, 2018 at 9:09 am new refrigerant for some new cars HFO-1234yf 50 bucks for 8 oz can 650 for 10 lb bottle. claims price will lower???? and freezers are being filled with butane r600 i believe theory is if leek and spark it might be too low volume and just puff burn and not cause fire remains to be seen imo r134 a has not caused problem and so far r 410a seems good and efficiencies of newer appliances is great now i have a 1st year chest freezer 134a 23 yrs old uses 6a 120 power new model in store rating on plate 0.9a and sells foe appx 160 usd it really doesn’t pay to repair if broken .just for the 4.1 amp difference in electric useage Reply
Gary Ginter says July 19, 2018 at 7:14 pm I had a new 3.5 ton home a.c. That uses 410A seems to be that if the ambient temperature is hot 95 f. plus the unit won’t get below 78 f. inside the house. Is this common? Also the unit was installed 4 years ago, it has a ADP evaporate coil, the original coil leaked was replaced 2 years ago, today the HVAC contractor installed the 3rd evaporate coil for the same reason. The compressor fan motor started throwing oil so that was also replaced today. Unit is York, am I just plain screwed, lawsuit? Reply
Robert says May 28, 2019 at 10:47 am Here is a rule of thumb; 20 degrees of temp diff from output to input. (the air intake is NOT where your thermostat is) Put a thermometer on one of the vents, and get the temp of the output. If it is indeed 78 when the ambient is 91, then you need to have your unit serviced. However, it the temp of the output is much lower, (like 65 or lower) then your unit is doing as much as it can to provide cool air. With one exception. The air from the vent MUST blow at least 2 feet away from the vent. If you do not have sufficient volume coming thru your evaporator unit, then air in the house will not change during hot days. This is where you check for air flow restrictions: Is your filter clean, are your evaporator coils clean? is your squirl cage fan moving enough air for the house? Is the fan motor moving freely? Are your vents restricting the flow. If all of the above checks out as fine, this is what you have: Good temperature difference between output vent and intake (actually thermostat) Good airflow from the vents (the unit is moving air.) Then you likely have an insulation problem and you are losing cool air somewhere. Reply
Alfred says August 19, 2018 at 9:01 pm All those vehicles use the same ref. each vehicle compressor uses a different oil. Note adding ref. to fix your ac.is only a temporary fix. The vehicles are sensitive to how much ref.is in the system. the receiver drier should be replaced and the condenser checked for its integrity. Note seek out a qualified technician to do a quality repair as your firm does for its customers.let the technician diagnose the system. Good Luck. Reply
Donald Turcotte says October 28, 2018 at 9:37 am Hi all . For a/c units at home that carry the r22 in them, it is an easy swap to the new Nu-22 refrigerant. It consists of changing the oil and putting the new coolant in. There are many videos for the diy’s but i would recommend to have a pro change out your system. If the price on a new system is clise to the swap out. Go for it. The Nu-22 doesn’t run as hot. Gl. Reply
bdr says May 10, 2020 at 1:19 pm Just a bit of advice for all the Gas swappers. Since 2020 rolled around quite a few Freons are now considered illegal. Ive been swapping gas out now for a long time and have noticed (what your being told by scientists) is so hair splitting their info is useless and guaranteed useless because their factory Freon systems fail faster than the back yard mechanic guys..its 2020 now and systems built in 2016 are already failing. Ive found Oils are completely interchangeable and there is no ill effects of using r-410 in just about all appliances. even packing r-410 into a r-12 or 134a system. one might have to install a epr valve to start the compressor. but there is zero pressure effects if you follow the PT chart. 12 psi lsp begets -37 degrees in the evaporator. the high side usually runs 175-280psi is way less and Psi ratings of blow valves on cars set at 550psi. ive noted clean strainers..no oil clogging and zero line problems as long as you have a clean install in the beginning. the product has zero problems with either mineral/Poe/or Pve oils. Reply
