R-22 Replacement Options: A Contractor's Guide
R-22 Replacement Options: A Contractor's Guide
R-22 production ended in 2020, and the only supply left is existing inventory and reclaimed product — a pool that only shrinks from here. For older R-22 systems that aren't ready for full replacement, a drop-in retrofit refrigerant lets you keep the system running without chasing increasingly scarce and expensive virgin R-22. Here's how the main options compare.
Quick Comparison
| Refrigerant | Best For | Oil Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| R422B | Closest pressure match to R22 in most residential/light commercial systems | POE (partial oil change typical) | Widely used, well-documented retrofit |
| RS-44b (R453A) | Systems where matching R22 performance closely matters | POE | Considered one of the closest-performing drop-ins to R22 |
| R438A (MO99) | General-purpose R22 retrofit | POE | Common choice for AC and heat pump retrofits |
| R422D | Systems needing a lower-pressure alternative to R422B | POE | Retrofit option for older equipment |
How Retrofitting Works
- Recover the existing R-22 charge fully. Mixing refrigerants isn't acceptable practice and creates an unidentifiable blend.
- Check oil compatibility. Most retrofit refrigerants require POE (polyolester) lubricant. Older R-22 systems typically run mineral or alkylbenzene oil, so a partial oil change is usually required — follow the specific refrigerant's retrofit guidelines.
- Charge and verify. Expect some variation in system capacity and efficiency versus the original R-22 charge. Check suction and discharge pressures against the retrofit refrigerant's PT chart.
- Label the system. After retrofitting, clearly label the equipment with the new refrigerant type, charge weight, and conversion date.
Not Sure Which Refrigerant Fits Your System?
Use our interactive Replacement Guide to find the right non-flammable, low-GWP drop-in for your specific system, or call 888-593-7366 and we'll help you choose.
R-22 Retrofit FAQ
Can I just top off my R-22 system with a retrofit refrigerant?
No — the existing R-22 charge must be fully recovered before introducing a retrofit refrigerant. Mixing refrigerants creates an unidentifiable blend that can't be reliably serviced.
Do I need to change the compressor oil?
In most cases, yes. R-22 systems typically run mineral or alkylbenzene oil, while retrofit refrigerants require POE oil — a partial oil flush is usually part of the conversion.
Will my system perform exactly the same after retrofitting?
Expect some variation in capacity and efficiency compared to the original R-22 charge. Verifying pressures against the retrofit refrigerant's PT chart after charging is essential.
Is retrofitting cheaper than replacing the system?
Usually, yes — for systems with useful life left. As R-22 becomes scarcer and virgin R-22 pricing climbs, retrofitting is often the more cost-effective path versus a full system replacement. See our 2026 refrigerant pricing breakdown for more on that math.
Shop R-22 Retrofit Refrigerants
R422B | RS-44b | R438A (MO99) | R422D