R22 Refrigerant Gas
R22 (HCFC-22) is a single-component HCFC refrigerant historically used in air-conditioning, refrigeration and heat-pump systems.
Today, R22 is primarily associated with servicing existing equipment in markets where its sale and use remain permitted.
Available in multiple cylinder and bulk packaging options. Final specifications, packaging availability and export requirements should be confirmed for each order.
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Description
R22 Refrigerant Gas
R22, also known as HCFC-22 or chlorodifluoromethane, is a single-component HCFC refrigerant historically used across air-conditioning, refrigeration and heat-pump equipment.
R22 combines established refrigeration performance with an A1 safety classification. However, because it has ozone depletion potential, production, import, sale and servicing are subject to significant regulatory controls in many markets.
Today, R22 is mainly relevant to the servicing and maintenance of existing equipment where its use remains legally permitted. New equipment should use refrigerants approved for the specific system, application and regional regulatory framework.
Key R22 Refrigerant Properties
Reference properties for identifying R22 and evaluating existing HVAC and refrigeration applications.
R22 Technical Specifications
Typical physical properties and reference data for R22 refrigerant.
| Refrigerant Designation | R22 / HCFC-22 |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Chlorodifluoromethane |
| Molecular Formula | CHClF₂ |
| Composition Type | Single Component |
| Molecular Weight | 86.47 g/mol |
| Normal Boiling Point | Approx. -40.8°C |
| Critical Temperature | Approx. 96.1°C |
| Critical Pressure | Approx. 49.9 bar / 4.99 MPa |
| ASHRAE Safety Class | A1 |
| Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) | 0.055 |
| 100-Year Global Warming Potential | 1,810 — EPA AR4 reference basis |
| Transport Hazard Class | Class 2.2 |
Published refrigerant-property and GWP values may vary slightly according to the reference dataset or assessment basis. Equipment design, servicing and compliance decisions should use the current supplier data, SDS, OEM documentation and applicable regulations.
Typical R22 Applications
R22 remains an important installed-base refrigerant in older HVAC and refrigeration equipment, but actual use must match the equipment design, nameplate and applicable regulations.
Residential Air Conditioning
R22 was widely used in older split air conditioners and other residential comfort-cooling systems designed specifically for HCFC-22.
Commercial Air Conditioning
Legacy rooftop units, packaged systems and other commercial air-conditioning equipment represent an important installed-base R22 application.
Commercial Refrigeration
Older refrigeration systems used in food service, cold rooms, retail refrigeration and related applications may still contain R22.
Industrial Refrigeration
R22 was historically used in selected process and industrial refrigeration installations designed around its thermodynamic characteristics.
Heat Pumps
Many older heat-pump systems were designed specifically for R22 and continue to create service and refrigerant-transition requirements.
Service & Maintenance
Current R22 demand is primarily associated with maintaining existing equipment where servicing with R22 remains permitted.
R22 Safety and Handling Considerations
An A1 classification does not eliminate the pressure, cold-contact, oxygen-displacement and decomposition hazards associated with refrigerant handling.
Pressurized Refrigerant
R22 is stored and transported under pressure. Use cylinders, hoses, gauges, recovery equipment and service tools appropriate for the refrigerant and system.
Cold Contact
Rapid refrigerant release can produce very low temperatures and may cause frostbite. Appropriate personal protective equipment should be used during handling and service.
Ventilation
Refrigerant vapor can displace oxygen in enclosed areas. Adequate ventilation and appropriate service procedures are important when working around a release.
Do not intentionally vent refrigerant during servicing or equipment disposal. Recovery, recycling, reclamation and disposal requirements depend on the jurisdiction and should follow applicable regulations and professional service practices.
Typical R22 Quality Specifications
The values below represent typical commercial product specifications from the supplied product literature. Final specifications should be confirmed against the current product specification or certificate of analysis for the shipment.
| Purity | ≥ 99.9% |
|---|---|
| Moisture | ≤ 10 ppm |
| Acidity | ≤ 0.1 ppm |
| Vapor Residue | ≤ 100 ppm |
| Appearance | Colorless, no visible turbidity |
| Odor | No abnormal odor |
R22 Refrigerant Packaging Options
R22 can be supplied in different packaging formats according to order quantity, destination market, transportation requirements and available supply configuration.
| Packaging Type | Reference Size | Typical Supply |
|---|---|---|
| Disposable Cylinder | 30 lb / 13.6 kg | Service and distribution supply |
| Disposable Cylinder | 50 lb / 22.7 kg | Larger service and distribution requirements |
| Refillable Cylinder | 400 L | Commercial and industrial supply |
| Refillable Cylinder | 926 L | Large-volume commercial supply |
| Bulk Supply | ISO Tank | Industrial and bulk-volume orders |
Cylinder type, filling weight, valve configuration, returnable packaging and ISO tank availability may vary according to order volume and destination. Confirm final packaging and transport requirements before placing an order.
R22 Is Primarily a Legacy-System Refrigerant
R22 is an HCFC with ozone depletion potential, so production, import, sale and service rules have changed significantly across global markets.
For existing R22 equipment, the appropriate decision may be continued servicing where permitted, an application-specific refrigerant retrofit, or complete equipment replacement.
The correct pathway depends on equipment age, compressor condition, leak history, lubricant, expansion device, controls, operating conditions, refrigerant availability and applicable regulations.
- Continue service: Existing equipment may remain in operation where legal R22 supply and servicing are available.
- Evaluate retrofit: Some systems can be converted to application-specific alternatives after proper engineering and service review.
- Replace equipment: Older or inefficient systems may be better candidates for complete replacement using a current refrigerant platform.
For a detailed transition analysis, see the R22 Refrigerant Replacement Guide. For broader regulatory research, visit the Refrigerant Regulations Hub.
A refrigerant promoted as an R22 alternative should not automatically be charged into an R22 system. Retrofit suitability depends on the exact equipment, compressor approval, lubricant, operating pressure, expansion device, seals, controls and applicable service procedures.
R22 Refrigerant Frequently Asked Questions
What is R22 refrigerant?
R22, also known as HCFC-22, is chlorodifluoromethane. It is a single-component HCFC refrigerant historically used in air-conditioning, refrigeration and heat-pump equipment.
What is the ASHRAE safety class of R22?
R22 is classified as A1, indicating lower toxicity and no flame propagation under the refrigerant safety classification framework. This does not remove pressure, frostbite, oxygen-displacement or decomposition hazards.
What is the GWP of R22?
Refrigerants.net uses a 100-year GWP value of 1,810 on the EPA AR4 reference basis. Other published sources may show a different value when using another climate-assessment basis.
Does R22 have ozone depletion potential?
Yes. R22 is an HCFC with an ozone depletion potential of approximately 0.055, which is one of the main reasons it has been subject to phaseout controls.
What is R22 used for today?
R22 is primarily associated with servicing and maintaining legacy air-conditioning, refrigeration and heat-pump equipment where continued use remains permitted.
What packaging is available for R22?
Reference packaging includes 30 lb / 13.6 kg and 50 lb / 22.7 kg disposable cylinders, larger refillable cylinders and ISO tank supply. Actual availability should be confirmed for each order and destination.
Can R410A be charged into an R22 system?
No. R410A operates at substantially different pressures and should be used only in equipment designed for it. It should not be treated as a direct retrofit refrigerant for an existing R22 system.
Can R22 be replaced with another refrigerant?
Some existing R22 systems can be retrofitted using application-specific alternatives, but there is no universal replacement. Compressor approval, lubricant, expansion device, system condition and expected performance must be evaluated before conversion.
Product information on Refrigerants.net is provided for product identification, comparison and B2B purchasing research. Final refrigerant specification, packaging, availability, transport requirements, permitted use and equipment compatibility should be confirmed against current product documentation, SDS, OEM requirements and applicable regulations before purchase or use.
Additional information
| Application | Air Conditioning, Heat Pumps, Refrigeration |
|---|---|
| Composition Type | Single Component |
| ASHRAE Safety Class | A1 |
| Package Size | 30 lb / 13.6 kg, 400 L, 50 lb / 22.7 kg, 926 L, ISO Tank |
| Packaging Type | Disposable Cylinder, ISO Tank / Bulk, Refillable Cylinder |
| Refrigerant Number | R22 |
| Transport Hazard Class | Class 2.2 |
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