Updated October 2026: R-22 is still legal to buy and use to service existing systems; new production and import ended in the U.S. on January 1, 2020. Need R-22 now? Shop R-22 sizes. See our R-22 Refrigerant Buying Guide for current rules, sizes, prices and how ordering works.
R22 vs. R-410A Refrigerant – Absolute Refrigerants
Want to learn more about R22 vs R-410A Refrigerant? When it comes to replacement options for R22 refrigerant, we often get asked what the difference is between R22 and R410A. This is not a simple or easy question to answer. This is because both refrigerants have cons as well as pros. Below is an R-22 vs. R-410A refrigerant comparison to help you make the best decision when replacing your old system. Whether you’re an owner or a technician, it’s important to understand the difference between the two and how you can use the best refrigerant for a given application.
R22 Refrigerant Usage
R22 is a non-flammable, colorless refrigerant with a faint odor. It was commonly used in United States residential and commercial air conditioning and refrigeration applications. It is also used in small commercial air conditioning systems and for low-temperature heat pump systems. New air conditioners haven’t been built with R22 since 2010, and new production and import ended on January 1, 2020. It is still legal to buy and use R-22 to service existing equipment, with no end date. Most R-22 sold today is EPA-certified reclaimed, which is why supply is tighter and prices are higher.
R410A Refrigerant Usage
This new refrigerant has been approved by the EPA as an alternative to R-22 and was the standard in new systems from 2010 until 2025. Since January 1, 2025, new home AC systems are being built for lower-GWP refrigerants such as R-454B and R-32, but R-410A is still sold new and factory sealed for servicing existing R-410A systems. R410A has many benefits over R-22, including better efficiency and improved system reliability. While it may be better for the environment than its predecessor, it still needs to be handled with care during installation and service.
Environmental Impacts
R-22 is known as an ozone-depleting substance (ODS). This means that when released into the atmosphere it contributes to ozone depletion and is harmful to the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency phased out its production and import as a result. Using R-22 to service existing systems is still legal.
R-410A is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant that does not harm the ozone layer. It was developed to replace ozone-depleting refrigerants like R-22, as it has zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP). In addition, R-410A provides excellent energy efficiency in systems designed for it.
Health and Safety Impacts
The most important factor for people who are looking for a new air conditioning system is safety. Refrigerant R-22 can be harmful to humans if not handled properly, especially if you work on old systems that have leaked into your home. It displaces oxygen in enclosed spaces, and in contact with an open flame it breaks down into toxic gases. Cylinders should never be exposed to high heat.
R-410A is also non-flammable (ASHRAE class A1), but it runs at much higher pressure than R-22, so it needs gauges, hoses and equipment rated for it. Both refrigerants call for the same basic precautions: avoid skin contact (it can cause frostbite), work in a ventilated area, and keep cylinders away from heat.
Affordability and Availability
The EPA began cutting R22 production and import in 2010 because it contributes significantly to ozone depletion, and ended it on January 1, 2020. As a result, supplies grew short and prices increased. R-22 is still legal to buy and use for existing systems, and EPA-certified reclaimed R-22 is available today.
In contrast, R410A is an HFC refrigerant that does not contain chlorine or bromine as an essential element of its molecular formula. As a result, it is still manufactured (under a gradual HFC phasedown) and is generally less expensive than R22.
Capacity and Efficiency Rating
The most notable difference between R22 and R410A is that R410A absorbs and releases heat more efficiently and runs at much higher pressure. Systems designed for it can move more heat with a smaller system. The two are not interchangeable: never put R-410A in an R-22 system, or R-22 in an R-410A system.
Systems built for R410A are generally more efficient than older R22 systems, partly because of the refrigerant and partly because of newer equipment and higher efficiency standards. That means less energy to cool your house, and more efficient heating from a heat pump in the winter months.
Conclusion
Whatever the direction of where you are planning to buy a refrigerant, it is important that you are well informed when making your decision. In these days of global warming and energy efficiency, the environment is a top priority for many people. Choosing a more environmentally friendly refrigerant is becoming ever more important. The professionals at Absolute Refrigerant will be able to assist you in making an informed decision based on your home or business needs. As always, feel free to contact them with any questions you may have about the refrigerants available and how they can further assist you.
