Recommended Free Tools
Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
There is no universal low-impact, drop-in replacement for R-22. In the United States, EPA’s residential and light-commercial air-conditioning and heat-pump table identifies R-407C, R-407F, R-438A and R-417C for retrofit use, while lower-GWP refrigerants such as R-32 and R-454B are listed for new equipment with use conditions. A listing does not prove that any refrigerant is compatible with your particular R-22 unit. The practical choice is either a professionally engineered retrofit using an approved refrigerant for that exact equipment, or replacement of the system with new equipment designed for a lower-GWP refrigerant.
What “replacing R-22” actually means
People use “R-22 replacement” for two different projects:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
- Retrofit: keeping the existing air conditioner or heat pump and converting it to a refrigerant that the equipment manufacturer and technician approve for that model.
- Equipment replacement: removing the R-22 system and installing a new system designed around a different refrigerant.
Those categories are not interchangeable. EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) table labels substitutes by end use and by whether they are accepted for retrofit, new equipment, or both. EPA also states that each determination applies to a specific substitute for a specific ozone-depleting substance in a specific end use. Therefore, seeing a refrigerant in an EPA table is not a “drop-in” authorization for every R-22 system.
This article uses the U.S. residential and light-commercial air-conditioning and heat-pump scope. EPA’s definition includes central systems, heat pumps, window units, packaged terminal units, portable units and ductless mini- and multi-splits. Rules and listings can differ in other countries, in other refrigeration sectors, and as federal regulations change.
#1 Best Overall
- Valued Carpenter Pencil Set: You will get 2 pcs solid carpenter pencils with 26 piece 2.8 mm refills, 1 replaceable sharpener, 1 plastic storage box.The complete carpenter pencils combination allows you to finish your work faster and more easily
- Deep Hole Marker Pencil: The deep-hole construction pencils adopts 45mm elongated tip design, which is more convenient to mark in the small hole or in other tight areas that other carpenter markers cannot reach
- Carpenter Pencils with Sharpener: The sharpener is screwed into the top of the work pencil, which won't get lost either. Built-in pencil sharpener that keep the lead with pointed and smooth to Improves line of sight in fine work
- Stronger Solid Lead: This work pencil is matched with a 2.8 mm thick lead , which is much thicker and stronger during the drawing process of construction work, it will not break or damage easily
- Marks on Various Surfaces: 3 colors solid construction pencil can marks on various surfaces,such as metal, plastic, wood, paper etc. Ideals for woodworkers, contractors, craftsmen, builders, merchants and masons
The three practical lower-impact paths
1. Retrofit an existing system with R-407C
R-407C is listed by EPA for retrofit and new use in this end-use category. EPA’s current table displays a global warming potential (GWP) of 1,770 and an A1 safety classification. That makes it a named retrofit-designated option, but not a universal substitute. The technician still has to verify the exact outdoor unit, indoor coil, compressor, lubricant, metering device, controls, pressure range and the manufacturer’s approved conversion procedure.
A retrofit decision should be based on the condition and design of the existing equipment, not on the refrigerant name alone. The service company must determine whether the system can operate safely and reliably with R-407C and what components or settings, if any, must change. EPA’s table does not provide model-level capacity, efficiency, service-life or conversion instructions.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →2. Retrofit with R-407F, R-438A or R-417C when the equipment documentation supports it
EPA lists several other retrofit-designated blends. R-407F is marked for retrofit and new use, with a listed GWP of 1,820 and A1 classification. R-438A is also marked for retrofit and new use, with a GWP of 2,270 and A1 classification. R-417C is marked for retrofit, with a GWP of 1,820 and A1 classification.
These are not interchangeable choices. Even where two products share a safety class or a similar listed GWP, their pressure-temperature behavior, lubricant requirements, charging procedure and approved applications may differ. A contractor should identify the exact product designation, obtain the manufacturer’s conversion instructions for the R-22 unit, and document the final charge and operating checks. If that documentation is unavailable, the safer decision may be to replace the equipment rather than improvise a conversion.
3. Replace the system with new equipment using R-32 or R-454B
R-32 and R-454B have substantially lower listed GWPs than the retrofit blends in EPA’s table, but EPA categorizes them for new equipment in this residential and light-commercial table and attaches use conditions. R-32 is listed at a GWP of 675 and an A2L safety class; R-454B is listed at 470 and A2L. Neither is a universal R-22 retrofit.
Rank #2
- Ergonomically Designed: Work in tight areas with a compact design that gets into tough spots
- Both tools are designed to fit into difficult to reach spaces
- Complete a wide range of applications with a high-performance motor that delivers up to 300 UWO, and an impact driver delivering up to 1,400 in-lbs of torque
- Both the DEWALT impact driver and drill driver feature integrated LED work lights with a convenient 20-second delay, ensuring enhanced visibility in dimly lit or challenging work areas
- One-Handed Loading - Keep one hand free with a 1/4 in. hex chuck that accepts 1 in. bit tips
A2L equipment brings design, installation, labeling, service and building-safety requirements that are different from those for an A1 retrofit blend. The new system must be engineered and listed for the refrigerant from the start. Installing a new R-32 or R-454B system can be the appropriate lower-GWP path when the existing R-22 equipment is old, damaged, incompatible with a retrofit or no longer economical to repair, but the decision requires a whole-system quote and a code-compliant installation.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteEPA’s current comparison at a glance
| Refrigerant | EPA use category in this end use | GWP displayed by EPA | Safety class | What the listing means |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-407C | Retrofit/new (R/N) | 1,770 | A1 | Named retrofit-designated blend; verify the exact equipment and procedure. |
| R-407F | Retrofit/new (R/N) | 1,820 | A1 | Retrofit-designated blend; do not assume it performs like R-407C. |
| R-438A | Retrofit/new (R/N) | 2,270 | A1 | Retrofit-designated blend with a higher listed GWP than R-407C or R-407F. |
| R-417C | Retrofit (R) | 1,820 | A1 | Retrofit listing; confirm the product and unit details before use. |
| R-32 | New (N), with use conditions | 675 | A2L | Lower listed GWP, but intended for equipment designed and listed for it. |
| R-454B | New (N), with use conditions | 470 | A2L | Lowest listed GWP among these examples; not a general R-22 conversion. |
The GWP figures are the values shown in EPA’s residential and light-commercial SNAP table, whose page was last updated March 19, 2026. GWP is a relative index for comparing radiative forcing over a stated period, usually 100 years. It is not a complete life-cycle climate assessment and does not determine whether a refrigerant will fit a particular machine.
How to choose between a retrofit and new equipment
Start with the equipment, not the refrigerant
Record the manufacturer, model and serial numbers for the outdoor unit, indoor coil or air handler, and any expansion or metering device. Ask the contractor to check whether the manufacturer publishes a retrofit bulletin for that exact combination. A generic statement that a blend is “compatible with R-22” is not enough.
The compatibility review should cover:
- Compressor type, condition and approved lubricant.
- Indoor and outdoor coil design and the system’s rated capacity.
- Metering device, controls and pressure or temperature operating envelope.
- Seals, service components and any parts the manufacturer requires to be changed.
- Charging method, target charge and commissioning tests for the selected refrigerant.
Compare the environmental and safety profile
EPA evaluates substitutes using more than GWP. Its review considers ozone-depletion potential, global warming potential, toxicity, flammability and exposure potential. A lower GWP is valuable, but a refrigerant that requires equipment changes, different handling controls or a new system may not be a practical retrofit.
A1 and A2L are ASHRAE safety classifications shown in EPA’s table. The A2L designation used for R-32 and R-454B signals flammability considerations that must be addressed by equipment design, installation and service practices. Do not charge an A2L refrigerant into an R-22 unit simply because its GWP is lower.
Rank #3
- 【Great Compatibility】This Katerk 1/4 inch hex shank bit holder is specifically designed for 1/4 inch hex shank drill bits. It's compatible with most 1/4 fast hex handles, hex sockets, various electric screwdrivers, and handheld screwdrivers. The bit holder makes it a valuable addition for any handyman.
- 【Secure and Safe】Built with a secure backup nut design, each drill bit holder securely locks onto your bits, ensuring they stay firmly in place. Additionally, our bit holder incorporates a high-quality steel ball rolling design that holds up to several kilograms of weight, ensuring your various drill bits don't fall off.
- 【Easy One-Handed Operation】The bit holder for impact driver allows you to change bits single-handedly, simplifying your workflow. Its multi-color design further allows for quick identification of the drill bit you need.
- 【Compact and Convenient】Thanks to its compact size, this 1/4 inch bit holder is easy to carry around. The bit holder allows for easy attachment to various tools, making this a convenient addition to your construction accessories. The Katerk bit holder is cast from high-quality alloy material, promising a long product lifespan. Despite its rugged strength, the bit holder remains lightweight, making it portable.
- 【Cool Christmas Gift For Men Stocking Stuffers】 This screwdriver bit holder, driver bit holder, impact bit holder, can be given as a gift to your loved one, especially for anyone involved in construction or electrical work. It's a must-have for stocking stuffers for men and women, tools gifts for dad, tech gadgets for men, gifts for dad, gifts for him, gifts for husband, gifts for boyfriend, cool gadgets for men, and cool gifts for dad.
Check the legal status for the date and location of the work
SNAP acceptance is not a blanket statement that a product is unrestricted in every circumstance. EPA notes that some acceptable substitutes may be limited by the AIM Act Technology Transitions Program and that federal-register material takes precedence over the summary table. State and local mechanical, fire and building codes can add requirements, particularly for A2L equipment.
EPA updates its SNAP tables several times each year. The agency’s program overview was last updated August 3, 2026, and notes an April 2, 2026 proposed rule; a proposal should not be treated as a final rule. Before work begins, have the contractor verify the current federal-register requirements, Technology Transitions restrictions, state and local rules, and availability of the specified refrigerant.
What a professional retrofit normally involves
Refrigerant recovery, evacuation, charging and leak work require qualified personnel and appropriate equipment. This is not a do-it-yourself procedure. The exact sequence depends on the manufacturer’s instructions, but a responsible service visit should include the following stages:
- Inspect and identify the system. The technician confirms the model numbers, existing refrigerant, compressor and coil condition, signs of leaks, and whether the system is a candidate for conversion.
- Obtain an approved conversion method. The technician selects a refrigerant listed for the relevant end use and supported by the equipment manufacturer or an applicable engineering instruction. If no approved method exists, the technician explains replacement options.
- Recover the existing R-22. The refrigerant is recovered with certified equipment rather than vented. The technician records the recovered amount and handles it according to applicable rules.
- Prepare the system. Required lubricant, seals, filter-drier, metering components or controls are changed only when the approved procedure calls for them. The circuit is checked for leaks and contamination.
- Evacuate and charge accurately. The system is evacuated to the manufacturer’s specified level and charged using the selected refrigerant’s prescribed method. Blended refrigerants must be handled exactly as the product instructions require.
- Commission and document. The technician checks operating pressures, temperatures, superheat or subcooling where applicable, electrical operation, airflow and leak tightness. The invoice or service record should identify the refrigerant, charge amount and parts changed.
Do not top off an R-22 system with a different refrigerant. Mixing refrigerants can make recovery, identification, charging and future service unsafe and may invalidate the manufacturer’s procedure.
Questions to put in a contractor’s proposal
- Is this proposal a retrofit or a complete equipment replacement?
- Which exact refrigerant and product designation will be used, and why is it approved for this model?
- What manufacturer document or engineering instruction supports the conversion?
- Will the compressor, lubricant, metering device, controls or other components need replacement?
- How will the existing R-22 be recovered and documented?
- What capacity and operating results are expected, and which results are guaranteed versus merely estimated?
- What code, labeling, leak-checking and certification requirements apply in this jurisdiction?
- What happens if the inspection finds a leak, damaged coil or incompatible component?
Insist that the proposal identify assumptions. The available EPA listings do not establish a universal efficiency increase, repair-cost saving or service-life extension, so those outcomes should not be promised without equipment-specific evidence.
Rank #4
- Long Nib and Deep Hole Marker: Our mechanical carpenter pencil with 45mm nib is designed for easy marking of deep holes or narrow areas. These construction pencils are the great choice for woodworking tools, construction tools, carpenter tools, contractor tools, wood carpentry tools and architect tools
- Extra Refills in 2 Colors for Versatile Marking: The construction mechanical pencil comes with 12 extra 2.8mm refills, including 6 red and 6 black refills. The black refill is suitable for light surfaces, while the red wax is perfect for dark surfaces. Our carpenter mechanical pencil makes sure that you'll have an ample supply for extended use
- Built-in Sharpener: Our construction pencil comes with a built-in sharpener to ensure the mechanical pencil tip is always sharp and ready for use. Never buy an extra pencil sharpener again. A great tool for any woodworker pencil, contractor pencils. The refill can easily be extended or retracted with a simple click of the pencils mechanical, allowing you to work more efficiently and accurately
- Portable Clip Design: Our deep hole construction pencil features a portable clip design, easy to carry and attach to your pocket or tool box, so that you can keep the carpenter pencils mechanical close at hand, making it a convenient tool to have on the go. Great gifts choice for carpenters
- Stronger Pencil Lead: The black refills are made of lead, sturdy and smooth. The red refills are made of wax, clear and light. These marking pencils are much thicker and stronger than normal pencils during the marking process of construction work, suitable for various surfaces, such as glasses, metal, boards, floors, walls, furniture, etc. The written marks can be easily wiped with a wet paper towel when needed
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Treating “retrofit” as “drop-in”
Retrofit designation means EPA recognizes a use category under specified conditions; it does not mean the refrigerant can be poured into any R-22 machine without changes. Require model-specific verification.
Choosing by GWP alone
R-454B’s listed GWP is lower than R-32’s, and both are lower than the listed retrofit blends, but both are categorized for new equipment with conditions. The lowest number is not automatically the right answer for an existing system.
Ignoring the safety class
An A2L refrigerant requires equipment and service practices that account for its flammability classification. A contractor should explain how the proposed equipment meets applicable installation and code requirements.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteAssuming similar numbers mean identical performance
R-407F and R-417C each appear with a listed GWP of 1,820, yet they are different products. Likewise, R-407C and R-407F are not interchangeable merely because both are A1 and marked R/N. Use the exact manufacturer documentation for the selected product.
Relying on an old table or an internet claim
SNAP listings and AIM Act requirements are date-sensitive. Check the current EPA table and federal-register materials at the time of service, and have the installing contractor verify state and local requirements.
A decision framework for homeowners and facility managers
| Situation | Most defensible next step | Why |
|---|---|---|
| System is in good condition and a manufacturer-supported retrofit exists | Obtain a written retrofit proposal using an EPA-listed retrofit option | Preserves existing equipment while addressing compatibility and compliance directly. |
| System has major leaks, failed compressor or obsolete controls | Compare repair plus retrofit with complete replacement | A retrofit may not resolve underlying equipment problems. |
| Lowest practical GWP is the priority | Evaluate new equipment designed for R-32 or R-454B | EPA lists these examples for new equipment with conditions, not universal R-22 conversion. |
| Documentation for the existing model is unavailable | Pause the retrofit and seek manufacturer or qualified engineering guidance | The EPA table cannot supply model-level compatibility or charging instructions. |
Bottom line for an R-22 replacement
R-407C, R-407F, R-438A and R-417C are the EPA-listed retrofit-designated examples in this comparison, while R-32 and R-454B are lower-GWP options for new equipment with use conditions. None is a universal drop-in replacement. Have a qualified HVAC professional match the refrigerant to the exact equipment, follow the manufacturer’s conversion or installation procedure, recover the R-22 properly, and verify current federal, state and local requirements before any work starts.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
