R-22 Status & Regulatory Overview
R-22 (Freon, HCFC-22) has been banned from production and import in the United States since January 1, 2020, under the Clean Air Act phaseout schedule. R-22 for servicing existing equipment can only come from stockpiles or reclaimed sources. Prices are high and availability is decreasing each year. When an R-22 system has a major leak or compressor failure, refrigerant changeover (retrofit) should be seriously considered.
R-22 Pressure/Temperature Chart
| Temp °F | Temp °C | Pressure (PSIG) |
|---|---|---|
| -20 | -29 | 0.6 |
| -10 | -23 | 6.2 |
| 0 | -18 | 11.8 |
| 10 | -12 | 24.0 |
| 20 | -7 | 34.7 |
| 30 | -1 | 46.7 |
| 32 | 0 | 57.5 |
| 40 | 4 | 68.5 |
| 45 | 7 | 76.0 |
| 50 | 10 | 84.0 |
| 55 | 13 | 92.6 |
| 60 | 16 | 101.6 |
| 65 | 18 | 111.2 |
| 70 | 21 | 121.4 |
| 75 | 24 | 132.2 |
| 80 | 27 | 143.6 |
| 85 | 29 | 155.7 |
| 90 | 32 | 168.4 |
| 95 | 35 | 181.8 |
| 100 | 38 | 195.9 |
| 105 | 41 | 210.8 |
| 110 | 43 | 226.4 |
| 115 | 46 | 242.7 |
| 120 | 49 | 260.0 |
| 125 | 52 | 277.9 |
| 130 | 54 | 296.8 |
Normal R-22 Operating Pressures
| Condition | Suction (Low Side) | Discharge (High Side) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical summer cooling (95°F OD) | 60-75 PSIG | 220-260 PSIG |
| Mild day cooling (75°F OD) | 55-70 PSIG | 180-220 PSIG |
R-22 Drop-In Alternatives (Retrofit Refrigerants)
When retrofitting an R-22 system, the refrigerant must be compatible with the existing mineral oil or alkylbenzene oil in the compressor. True "drop-ins" require no oil change. "Near drop-ins" may require a partial oil change.
| Refrigerant | Type | Oil Change Required | Performance vs R-22 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-407C | HFC blend | Partial (flush to POE) | Similar capacity, slightly lower efficiency | Widely available, compatible with existing TXV systems |
| R-422D (MO99) | HFC blend | None (miscible with mineral oil) | Very similar to R-22 | Most direct R-22 equivalent - preferred for older systems |
| R-438A (MO99) | HFC blend | None | Similar to R-22 | Compatible with mineral oil, no TXV adjustment needed |
| R-421A | HFC blend | None | Similar capacity | Slightly higher discharge pressure than R-22 |
| R-32 | Pure HFC | POE required | Higher capacity | Only for systems specifically approved for R-32 |
Important Retrofit Considerations
- Never mix refrigerants - always recover all existing R-22 before adding a substitute
- Verify the compressor manufacturer allows the substitute refrigerant - some voids the compressor warranty
- R-407C requires TXV replacement or adjustment (it has a higher pressure drop across the metering device)
- R-422D and R-438A are the most technician-friendly alternatives - minimal system changes needed
- After retrofit, label the system with the new refrigerant type and the amount charged
- Recover substitute refrigerants separately - do not mix recovered refrigerants in the same cylinder
R-22 Superheat Targets
Most R-22 residential systems use a fixed orifice metering device. Target suction superheat at the indoor coil:
- Fixed orifice (piston): 10-20°F superheat. Consult manufacturer's charging chart.
- TXV systems: 8-12°F superheat at the coil outlet.