Use this chart to find the current replacement for a phasing-out or legacy refrigerant. Important: there is no true "drop-in" substitute for most refrigerants—replacements differ in operating pressure, oil type, and capacity, so the correct choice depends on your specific equipment. Always confirm with the equipment manufacturer or a qualified technician before switching.
Refrigerant cross-reference chart
| Legacy / phasing-out | Application | Current replacement(s) we carry | Drop-in? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-22 (HCFC, banned in new production since 2020) | Residential & commercial AC | Reclaimed R-22, R-407C, R-438A (MO99), R-422 series | No — retrofit | Reclaimed R-22 keeps existing systems running; blends require line/oil considerations |
| R-410A (restricted in new equipment since 2025) | Residential & light-commercial AC | R-410A (for service); R-454B, R-32 (new equipment) | No | Not banned—still serviced. New systems use A2Ls |
| R-404A (very high GWP) | Commercial refrigeration | R-448A, R-449A, R-407A, R-407F | Near-match, not true drop-in | R-448A/R-449A are the common lower-GWP retrofits |
| R-134a | Automotive A/C, chillers | R-134a (for service); R-1234yf (new automotive) | No | R-1234yf is the low-GWP automotive standard |
| R-12 (CFC, long phased out) | Legacy automotive | Retrofit to R-134a | No | We do not carry R-12 |
| R-502 (legacy) | Low-temp refrigeration | R-404A, R-448A, R-449A | No | Confirm oil compatibility |
R-22 replacements
R-22 has been banned from new U.S. production since January 1, 2020, so it's available only as reclaimed refrigerant. You have two paths: keep the system on reclaimed R-22 (AHRI 700 purity), or retrofit to a replacement such as R-407C, R-438A (MO99), or an R-422 series blend. None is an exact drop-in—each has different oil and performance characteristics—so match the replacement to your specific equipment.
R-410A: service vs. new equipment
R-410A is not banned. Existing systems are still serviced and recharged with R-410A. The 2025 rule only affects new equipment, which now uses lower-GWP A2L refrigerants—R-454B (the dominant choice for new ducted systems) and R-32 (common in ductless). If you're replacing an R-410A system rather than repairing it, consider going straight to A2L equipment.
R-404A replacements for commercial refrigeration
R-404A has a very high GWP (~3,922) and is a priority for transition. The common lower-GWP replacements are R-448A and R-449A, designed as close matches for existing R-404A systems, with R-407A/F used in some applications. These are near-matches, not true drop-ins—confirm oil and component compatibility.
R-134a and automotive
R-134a is still produced and serviced. New automotive systems use R-1234yf, a low-GWP replacement that requires R-1234yf-specific equipment and EPA Section 609 certification to purchase. We carry both.
Not sure which you need? Send your equipment details to sales@refrigerantscenter.com or call (682) 257-3322 and we'll match the right refrigerant—so you order once, correctly.
Shop R-410A · Shop R-454B · Shop reclaimed R-22 · Shop R-448A · Apply for wholesale
Cross-reference FAQ
What refrigerant replaces R-22?
R-22 systems can run on reclaimed R-22 or be retrofitted to a replacement such as R-407C, R-438A (MO99), or an R-422 series blend. None is a true drop-in, so the right choice depends on the specific equipment.
What is replacing R-404A?
R-404A is commonly replaced by the lower-GWP refrigerants R-448A and R-449A, with R-407A or R-407F used in some applications. They are close matches for existing R-404A systems but not exact drop-ins.
Can I replace R-410A with R-454B in an existing system?
No. R-454B is for new equipment designed for it; existing R-410A systems are serviced with R-410A. R-454B and R-410A are not interchangeable in the same equipment.
What replaces R-134a in automotive systems?
New automotive air-conditioning systems use R-1234yf, a low-GWP refrigerant. Existing R-134a systems are still serviced with R-134a. The two are not interchangeable.