R22 is the short name for hydrochlorofluorocarbon 22, or HCFC-22. It’s a refrigerant responsible for absorbing and removing heat from home air conditioners and heat pumps. 

As of January 1, 2020, it’s illegal to produce or import R22 in the U.S. after an amendment to the Clean Air Act. This is because it contributes to both global warming and the depletion of the ozone layer. However, what’s a homeowner to do if they have an air conditioner that uses it? 

Whether you’re dealing with refrigerant issues or you simply want to future-proof your home, we’ll explain a few potential alternatives to R22 in this guide.

R22 Refrigerant Replacement Options

You can continue to use existing R22 refrigerant despite the phaseout. However, when you inevitably need to recharge your air conditioner, refrigerant will be more expensive and harder to find. Only reclaimed, recycled, and old R22 stock is available, and some companies forgo it altogether due to its scarcity.

You shouldn’t have to add freon to your AC unit often. While an HVAC company can use “drop-in” refrigerants for a temporary and somewhat quick fix, they can reduce your system’s cooling efficiency and cause more wear.

These options are the better road to take so you can get better results from your air conditioner over the long term.

Retrofitting with MO99 Refrigerant

Freonâ„¢ MO99 refrigerant is a relatively affordable and eco-friendly alternative for R22 air conditioners. You can use it to revive older systems with little to no refrigerant charge, as well as systems that need replacement components.

One of the best parts is that MO99 is a direct retrofit. A technician can convert your system without changing the oil, cutting out the compressor, or changing lines. If your system uses mineral oil, alkyl benzene (AB) oil, or polyolester (POE) oil, it could be a candidate for MO99.

Today’s Homeowner Tips

For safety reasons, refrigerants should never mix with other refrigerants or gases, including R22. Even if you’re having your air conditioner recharged with a retrofit solution like MO99, a technician will still need to completely drain the old refrigerant first.

Using Another Alternative

If your air conditioner isn’t compatible with MO99, there are a few other refrigerant options to consider. Many of them are used for commercial settings, but they can also work for residential air conditioning. 

If you decide to use one of the refrigerants on this list, your HVAC contractor may need to make a few more modifications for compatibility than they would with an MO99 retrofit. Ask about which one would be the best fit for your system.

  • R410A: R410A is an affordable alternative that’s easy to store, use, and transport.
  • R134A: R134A is another affordable option that comes with a single component, making installation easy.
  • R407C: This refrigerant could be another option for retrofitting, depending on your existing air conditioner’s setup.
  • RS-44b: This is a direct replacement to R22 that offers the same flow rate, consumes less energy, and requires no changes to system components.

One drawback of most R22 alternatives is that they can cause more moisture buildup in conjunction with POE oil. That in turn leads to acid buildup within the refrigerant lines, putting more wear on the system.

Replacing Your Air Conditioner

Most air conditioners using R22 were made before 2011. That means many will be over a decade old, running at decreased capacity due to age. In some situations, it might be more cost-effective to replace your air conditioner completely.

Newer systems already use readily-available refrigerants that comply with the latest regulations. If an issue does arise, you’ll have less reason to worry about supply shortages. They may also improve your property value while lowering your energy bills and repair costs.

What To Do with Leftover Refrigerant

Since it’s illegal for R22 to leak into the environment, you can’t place old refrigerant in a standard garbage can or dumpster.

If you have leftover refrigerant in an old air conditioner or set of cooling lines, the best way to dispose of it is to call a professional. HVAC technicians have the right equipment to safely drain the refrigerant lines, and many companies include this service with a refrigerant swap or system replacement.

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Alora Bopray

Alora Bopray

Staff Writer

Alora Bopray is a digital content producer for the home warranty, HVAC, and plumbing categories at Today's Homeowner. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of St. Scholastica and her master's degree from the University of Denver. Before becoming a writer for Today's Homeowner, Alora wrote as a freelance writer for dozens of home improvement clients and informed homeowners about the solar industry as a writer for EcoWatch. When she's not writing, Alora can be found planning her next DIY home improvement project or plotting her next novel.

Learn More

photo of Laurie Engle

Laurie Engle

Expert Writer & Reviewer

Laurie Engle is a freelance writer who provides insights to homeowners on topics such as the home warranty industry, relocation issues, and real estate trends. As a licensed Realtor since 2001 Laurie has acquired extensive expertise in dealing with home warranty companies and navigating the intricacies of the real estate market. In addition to her commitment to helping clients with their home buying and selling needs, she maintains a sharp awareness of market dynamics, including property values, interest rates, and local regulations.

Learn More