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TECHNICAL PRODUCT GUIDANCE
Refrigerant questions, made easier to understand.
Choosing the correct refrigerant matters. Use the information below as a practical starting point for compatibility, cylinder sizing, charging, system identification and A2L-related questions before ordering.
Compatibility
System Charging
Cylinder Sizes
A2L Refrigerants
Service Basics
01 How can I identify the refrigerant specified for my equipment?
Check the equipment data plate first, then confirm the same information in the manufacturer's installation or service documentation. The approved refrigerant should be listed clearly, such as R410A, R32, R454B, R404A, R407C, R22 or R134A.
Important:
Order the exact refrigerant specified for the system. Similar
equipment types do not automatically use interchangeable refrigerants.
02 Can I put R32 or R454B into equipment designed for R410A?
Not as a direct refrigerant swap. R410A, R32 and R454B differ in operating characteristics, safety classifications and system design requirements.
R32 and R454B are A2L refrigerants, so equipment approved for them is designed around requirements that may not exist on equipment intended for R410A.
Use only a refrigerant specifically approved by the equipment manufacturer or an approved retrofit procedure.
03 What is the practical difference between R410A, R32 and R454B?
All three may be used in air-conditioning or heat-pump applications, but they are separate refrigerants and should not be treated as direct substitutes.
- R410A: widely used in many existing residential and commercial systems.
- R32: used in newer equipment engineered and labeled specifically for R32.
- R454B: used in newer equipment approved for R454B and designed around its characteristics.
The unit label and manufacturer documentation should always take priority over assumptions based on the equipment category alone.
04 Is it acceptable to mix two different refrigerants?
Different refrigerant types should not be mixed unless a specific manufacturer-approved service procedure explicitly requires it.
Mixing can change pressure-temperature behavior, affect system performance and make proper recovery or future service more difficult.
Do not substitute another refrigerant simply because the specified
refrigerant is temporarily unavailable.
05 What does a 20 lb, 25 lb or 30 lb cylinder rating refer to?
The listed weight normally refers to the refrigerant's stated net contents, not the complete shipping weight of the filled cylinder.
The cylinder shell, valve, packaging and shipping materials add additional weight beyond the refrigerant itself.
Always use the actual cylinder label as the final reference for net contents.
06 Will one cylinder provide one full system charge?
Not necessarily. Required refrigerant charge can vary substantially with equipment capacity, line-set length, configuration and system design.
Factory charge information is normally shown on the equipment data plate or in the manufacturer's installation documentation.
Best practice:
Determine the required charge before ordering instead of assuming
one cylinder corresponds to a specific number of systems.
07 Should a system be charged by pressure or by refrigerant weight?
The correct method depends on the specific equipment and the manufacturer's service procedure.
Refrigerant weight is often part of the charging process, while pressure, temperature, subcooling and superheat measurements may also be required depending on the design.
Follow manufacturer service data rather than relying on one generic charging rule.
08 Why do different refrigerants show different operating pressures?
Each refrigerant has its own pressure-temperature relationship. Expected system pressure therefore depends on the refrigerant, operating conditions and temperature.
A pressure reading that is normal for one refrigerant should not be used as the reference for another.
Service gauges, hoses and related tools must be appropriate for the
refrigerant and pressure range being serviced.
09 What equipment is commonly used for refrigerant service work?
Depending on the job and system, professional service equipment may include:
- Refrigerant-compatible manifold gauges
- Properly rated hoses and fittings
- Refrigerant charging scale
- Vacuum pump
- Micron gauge
- Leak-detection equipment
- Recovery machine and recovery cylinder
- Temperature measurement tools
A2L systems may require tools and procedures specifically suitable for mildly flammable refrigerants.
10 What should happen before adding refrigerant to a low system?
A low refrigerant charge can indicate a leak or another service issue. Adding refrigerant without determining why the charge was lost may leave the original problem unresolved.
A qualified technician should evaluate the system, address leaks where required, confirm system integrity and recharge according to the manufacturer's service procedure.
11 How should refrigerant cylinders be stored?
Follow the instructions printed on the cylinder and any storage guidance provided by the refrigerant manufacturer.
Cylinders should generally be kept in an appropriate, secure and well-ventilated area and protected from excessive heat, physical damage and unauthorized handling.
Refrigerants with A2L classifications require additional attention to applicable storage and handling requirements.
12 Can R22 still be used when servicing older equipment?
Existing equipment originally designed for R22 may still require R22 or a properly approved retrofit solution during service.
Refrigerant choice should be based on the equipment, manufacturer guidance, applicable procedures and current regulatory requirements.
Do not install an alternative solely because its operating characteristics appear similar.
13 What does A2L mean for refrigerants such as R32 and R454B?
A2L is a refrigerant safety classification associated with lower flammability characteristics than more highly flammable classes.
Equipment designed for A2L refrigerants incorporates related safety requirements. Service personnel should use appropriate tools, procedures and equipment when working with these systems.
Never place an A2L refrigerant into equipment that was not designed
and approved for that refrigerant.
14 Are there certification requirements for buying refrigerant?
Refrigerants used in stationary air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment can be subject to U.S. EPA refrigerant sales requirements.
Section 608 technician certification or other qualifying purchaser documentation may be required depending on the transaction and use.
Buyers are responsible for meeting applicable federal, state and local purchasing, handling, recovery and service requirements.