Refrigerant Comparison
R-22 vs R-410A: What Changed and What to Know
Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the RefrigerantTrack Research Team
Side-by-Side Comparison
Key properties compared across all critical dimensions for HVAC contractors and facility managers.
| Property | R-22 | R-410A |
|---|---|---|
Global Warming Potential (GWP) Neither is a low-GWP refrigerant by modern standards, but R-22 has lower GWP than R-410A. | 1,810 | 2,088 |
Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) R-22 is an ozone-depleting substance; R-410A is not. This is why R-22 was banned. | 0.055 (Class II ODS) | 0 |
Production / Import Status Reclaimed R-22 is still legal for service; new production is prohibited. | Banned since Jan 1, 2020 | Available (phase-down underway) |
Operating Pressure (suction side, 40°F) R-410A operates at ~60% higher pressure. R-22 equipment cannot safely handle R-410A pressures. | ~67 psig | ~115 psig |
System Compatibility The two refrigerants are not interchangeable. Different compressors, oils, and fittings. | Requires R-22 equipment | Requires R-410A equipment |
Cost and Availability R-22 scarcity drives high prices. R-410A is still broadly available. | $40–$75/lb wholesale (scarce) | Available, rising due to phase-down |
Green highlight indicates the better value for that property. “Tie” properties have no highlight.
The Bottom Line
R-22 is a legacy refrigerant that can no longer be manufactured. All new systems use R-410A or newer alternatives.
Why R-22 was phased out
R-22 (HCFC-22) was phased out primarily because of its ozone depletion potential (ODP) of 0.055. As a Class II ozone-depleting substance regulated under the Montreal Protocol, its production and import for use as a refrigerant in the United States was banned on January 1, 2020, under Clean Air Act Section 605(a). The phase-out was a decades-long process: new R-22 equipment was banned after 2010, and virgin R-22 production ended in 2020. Reclaimed and recycled R-22 can still legally be used to service existing equipment.
Key differences in system design
R-410A operates at approximately 60% higher pressure than R-22 at the same temperature, which drove a complete redesign of HVAC equipment. R-410A systems use thicker-walled copper tubing, higher-pressure-rated compressors, and polyolester (POE) oil instead of the mineral oil or alkylbenzene oil used in R-22 systems. The refrigerants use different fitting sizes on service valves to prevent accidental cross-contamination. You cannot substitute one for the other in existing equipment.
Servicing existing R-22 systems
Existing R-22 systems remain legal to operate and service. Technicians can still purchase reclaimed R-22 for recharging purposes. The practical challenge is cost: wholesale reclaimed R-22 commonly trades between $40 and $75 per pound, compared to $5–$10 before the ban. At those prices, a refrigerant leak repair on a large R-22 system can cost more than the equipment is worth. Most contractors recommend that customers with aging R-22 systems evaluate whether repair or replacement makes more financial sense, particularly for systems older than 15 years.
What came after R-410A
R-410A itself is now in the early stages of a phase-down under the AIM Act of 2020. While R-22 was banned for its ozone impact, R-410A is being reduced for its high GWP of 2,088. The primary successor for residential and light commercial HVAC applications is R-454B (GWP 466), which major manufacturers began phasing in for new equipment in 2025. R-32 (GWP 675) is another alternative with wide adoption in Europe and Asia.
Key Facts
Verified facts from EPA regulations, the AIM Act, and ASHRAE standards. Each is a standalone verifiable statement.
R-22 production and import for use as a refrigerant was permanently banned in the United States on January 1, 2020, under Clean Air Act Section 605(a) and the Montreal Protocol.
R-22 has an Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) of 0.055, making it a Class II ozone-depleting substance — the primary regulatory reason for its phase-out under the Montreal Protocol.
R-410A operates at approximately 60% higher pressure than R-22 at the same temperature, requiring redesigned compressors, copper tubing, and system components.
Reclaimed R-22 wholesale prices commonly range from $40 to $75 per pound as of 2024, compared to roughly $5 to $10 per pound before the 2020 production ban.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can R-410A be used in an R-22 system?
No. R-410A cannot be used in equipment designed for R-22. R-410A operates at approximately 60% higher pressure, which would exceed the pressure ratings of R-22 compressors, valves, and fittings. The refrigerants also use different lubricating oils — R-22 systems use mineral oil or alkylbenzene, while R-410A requires polyolester (POE) oil. Attempting to use R-410A in an R-22 system creates serious safety and equipment risks.
Is it worth repairing an R-22 system or should I replace it?
It depends on the repair cost and system age. If an R-22 system is 15+ years old and requires a major repair — compressor, condenser, or a significant refrigerant recharge at $40–$75 per pound — replacement with new R-454B equipment is usually the better financial decision. The new equipment will be more efficient, eligible for ENERGY STAR incentives, and will not face future refrigerant supply constraints. For minor repairs on younger R-22 systems, continued service with reclaimed R-22 may still be practical.
What is the best drop-in replacement for R-22?
There is no true drop-in for R-22 that matches performance exactly. R-407C is the most commonly used retrofit refrigerant for R-22 systems because it operates at similar pressures and often works with existing mineral oil after flushing. R-438A (MO99) is another option that works with existing oil. Neither is a drop-in in the strictest sense — system performance will differ and some component adjustments may be needed. Always consult manufacturer guidance before switching refrigerants in a specific system.
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