Buy RS-44b Refrigerant (R453A) | R22 Drop-In Replacement | 24 lb — Refrigerant Inc

RS-44b Refrigerant (R453A) — The Closest True Drop-In Replacement for R22

RS-44b, officially designated R453A by ASHRAE, is a refrigerant blend developed by Comstar International specifically to replicate R22's pressure-temperature characteristics as closely as possible. Of all the R22 retrofit alternatives on the market, RS-44b is widely regarded as the nearest match to R22 in terms of operating pressures, cooling capacity, and system compatibility — making it the preferred choice for contractors who want the most seamless conversion experience. Refrigerant Inc stocks genuine RS-44b in 24 lb cylinders with free shipping to all 48 continental states.

Why RS-44b Is the Closest R22 Replacement

RS-44b was engineered from the ground up to mirror R22's thermodynamic behavior. Key advantages over other R22 retrofit options:

• Nearly identical pressure-temperature profile to R22 — Suction and discharge pressures are very close to R22 operating ranges, meaning existing metering devices, TXVs, and safety controls typically require no adjustment
• Same charge weight as R22 — Charge RS-44b to the same weight specification as the original R22 nameplate charge
• Compatible with existing mineral oil — RS-44b has good miscibility with the alkylbenzene and mineral oils used in R22 systems, minimizing the need for oil changes in most retrofit applications
• No system hardware changes required — In most applications, recover the R22, recharge with RS-44b, and the system runs at near-original performance
• Non-flammable (A1) — Safe to handle with standard refrigerant service equipment, no special A2L tools required

What Systems Is RS-44b Used In?

RS-44b is used as a retrofit refrigerant in existing R22 systems including:

• Residential central air conditioners and heat pumps installed before 2010
• Light commercial split systems and packaged units originally charged with R22
• Older commercial rooftop units and close-control AC equipment running R22
• Flooded chiller systems originally designed for R22

RS-44b is not used in new equipment — it is a service refrigerant specifically for the existing R22 installed base.

RS-44b Retrofit Procedure

1. Recover all existing R22 from the system using an EPA-certified recovery machine
2. Check for and repair any leaks
3. Pull a deep vacuum (500 microns or lower)
4. Charge with RS-44b as a liquid to the original R22 nameplate weight specification
5. Verify operating pressures against RS-44b PT charts — they should be very close to R22 operating values
6. Label the system with new refrigerant type, charge weight, and conversion date

An oil change to POE lubricant is recommended for long-term compressor health but is generally not required for the system to operate normally on RS-44b.

RS-44b vs. Other R22 Replacements

• RS-44b (R453A) — Closest pressure and capacity match to R22, minimal system adjustments needed, best choice for a transparent retrofit
• R438A (MO99) — Also a strong R22 match, widely used across the U.S., good mineral oil compatibility
• R422B — Established retrofit option, particularly in older commercial equipment
• R22 — Still the best option for original performance when cost is not a constraint

Why Buy RS-44b From Refrigerant Inc

• Genuine Comstar Product — Factory-sealed RS-44b by Comstar International, the original developer of the product.
• Free Shipping to All 48 States — No freight fees added at checkout.
• Same or Next-Day Processing — Orders placed before 2PM EST ship the same day.
• Contractor & Wholesale Pricing — Volume accounts available. Call 888-593-7366.

Shipping Information

RS-44b ships via ground freight to all 48 continental states. Alaska a