[NA] AC unit refrigerant upgrade

[AV8R_87]

Got an old unit that uses R-22 (now banned and unavailable). Works well-ish, but low on refrigerant. Nobody wants to service it, even if it is still legal to do so with reclaimed R-22. They all want to sell a complete new system, and take the first born child as payment.
Anyone here that had one converted from R-22 to R-407 or another modern refrigerant? Looking for PIREPs on cost, performance and longevity.

 

[455 Bravo Uniform]

Good luck. If you can’t find someone to top you off with R22, you’re not going to be able to convert your existing hardware - you’ll be replacing the compressor (outdoor unit) and the evaporator (indoor part). Sorry, I’m still raw about it.

Thread 'Weak AC Rant'

May 7, 2025

No, not a weak AC; It’s a weak rant about AC.

Why can one not find anyone to simply replace a dead compressor on a home AC unit? Two companies so far want to sell me a whole new system for $13-15k. They quote the compressor replacement right at 50% of that.

I’ve found an original replacement compressor for right around $1k, and 30 lbs of R22 for $650. I’d gladly pay a few hundred dollars per hour for labor. But that would upset the AC price fixing cartel.

Been in the environmental industry for almost 35 years. Coming up with new refrigerants and replacing units every 15 years does...

• 455 Bravo Uniform
• Replies: 18
• Forum: Hangar Talk

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[pfarber]

R-22 is out there... its not rare or hard to find. Might be spendy:

R-22 REFRIGERANT 5 LBS

R22 5 lbs. of refrigerant is contained in this order. Empty Tare weight is 4 lbs. The box is 1 lb. We only ship to the United States except Hawaii and Alaska. Shipping is free. 100% VIRGIN FACTORY SEALED GUARANTEED PRODUCT QUALITY Ability Refrigerant stocks a large store of R22, R410A, MO99...

abilityrefrigerants.com

I've done some AC work and its not hard, you just gotta read the tables correctly and weigh the charge accurately. The only REALLY expensive part is recovery.. but a local commercial HVAC shop should recover your R-22 for cheap if they can keep it and it doesn't have any dye or leak additives.

And before someone claims 'EPA certification' its a $10 or so online course. Complete joke.

 

[FORANE]

Got an old unit that uses R-22 (now banned and unavailable). Works well-ish, but low on refrigerant. Nobody wants to service it, even if it is still legal to do so with reclaimed R-22. They all want to sell a complete new system, and take the first born child as payment.
Anyone here that had one converted from R-22 to R-407 or another modern refrigerant? Looking for PIREPs on cost, performance and longevity.

Yeah, I had a r22 system that was serviced with r407. It worked well for some time. You would want the system evacuated completely and not simply topped off.

r22 is still available. The service techs make a profit on refrigerant by increasing the $/lb they charge over what they pay by a significant margin. Another option for you is to complete an online course to get epa608 certified; that lets you legally purchase refrigerants. Go online, buy a 30lb cylinder and ask a tech to service your unit using your r22.