REFRIGERANT GAS EURO R‑22

Euro Refrigerant R-22 is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) that was once the most widely used refrigerant in the world. For decades, it served as the standard choice in residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC systems, thanks to its excellent cooling efficiency, moderate pressure levels, and compatibility with widely available mineral oils and alkylbenzene lubricants.

Known for its good thermodynamic performance and ease of use, R-22 became the industry benchmark in split air conditioners, window units, central HVAC systems, and medium/low-temperature refrigeration applications. Its popularity was due to its ability to deliver stable, reliable cooling with minimal complexity in system design.

However, due to its ozone-depleting potential (ODP ≈ 0.055), R-22 is now being phased out worldwide under the Montreal Protocol and subsequent environmental regulations. While existing systems in many regions still rely on R-22, its production and importation have been banned or severely restricted. Today, only reclaimed, recycled, or stockpiled R-22 can be used legally in most countries.

Despite its phase-out, R-22 continues to be important in legacy systems that are still in operation. System owners are now encouraged to retrofit or transition to lower-GWP, environmentally friendly alternatives such as R-407C, R-422D, or R-134a, depending on the application.

Key Features

• ✅ Good Thermodynamic Performance – proven efficiency in both air conditioning and refrigeration.

• ✅ Moderate Operating Pressure – simplifies system design and maintenance.

• ✅ Long Industry Track Record – decades of use, making it one of the most well-understood refrigerants.

• ✅ Lubricant Compatibility – works with both mineral oils and alkylbenzene oils, reducing system costs.

• ✅ Versatile Applications – historically used across residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC systems.

Applications

• Residential cooling – split ACs, window ACs, packaged units

• Commercial air conditioning – central HVAC and rooftop units

• Refrigeration – medium and low-temperature systems

• Industrial cooling processes – legacy machinery and cold rooms

Usage Guidelines

• Still in use in older systems, but banned in new equipment in most countries.

• Retrofit is required before replacing with R-407C, R-422D, or other alternatives.

• Only reclaimed or recycled R-22 is legally available in many regions.

•  When retrofitting, ensure complete removal of R-22 and verify oil compatibility with the replacement refrigerant.

•  Compliance with Montreal Protocol regulations is mandatory for service and recovery.

FAQs

Q1: Can I still buy Euro R-22?
A: In many countries, new R-22 production is banned. Only reclaimed, recycled, or stockpiled R-22 is legally available for servicing older equipment.

Q2: What can I replace R-22 with?
A: Common alternatives include R-407C (closest match for air conditioning), R-422D (drop-in retrofit for some systems), and R-134a (suitable for certain refrigeration and chiller applications).

Q3: Is Euro R-22 safe to use?
A: Yes, it is classified as A1 (non-toxic, non-flammable), making it safe for technicians and end users. However, its ozone depletion impact makes it environmentally harmful.

Q4: What happens if I keep using R-22?
A: Existing systems can continue operating, but maintenance costs will rise as supplies become scarce. Retrofitting or upgrading to a modern refrigerant ensures compliance and long-term sustainability.