R22, R410A, R134A and R404A Refrigerant: What To Check Before You Buy

Choosing refrigerant starts with the equipment nameplate, not the search term. A cylinder can match the keyword and still be wrong for the system if the refrigerant type, oil, pressure, service purpose, or purchase requirement is different.

Quick answer

• Match the refrigerant printed on the equipment label or the latest service record.
• Do not mix refrigerants or use a replacement blend without a technician-approved retrofit plan.
• Check current EPA sales and service requirements before buying refrigerant for stationary AC or refrigeration equipment.
• Use the refrigerant choice to decide whether the job needs a cylinder, recovery, leak repair, or new equipment.

For available cylinders, start with the SupplyShop refrigerant collection. Common service options include R22 refrigerant, R410A refrigerant, R134A refrigerant, and R407C refrigerant.

Refrigerant comparison

Legal and service checks

EPA refrigerant sales rules restrict many refrigerant purchases for stationary air conditioning and refrigeration equipment to certified technicians or authorized purchasers. EPA also maintains HFC phasedown and technology transition rules that can affect new equipment choices and certain refrigerant uses. Review the EPA refrigerant sales restriction page and the EPA HFC technology transitions sector restrictions before treating any refrigerant as a simple commodity purchase.

When refrigerant points to equipment replacement

A refrigerant order is often part of a larger decision. If the system has a failed compressor, repeated leaks, obsolete controls, or a refrigerant that is becoming harder to support, compare the service path with a replacement equipment path. SupplyShop carries commercial condensing units, refrigeration evaporators and unit coolers, and broader commercial refrigeration equipment for jobs that move beyond a cylinder.

Ordering checklist

1. Take a photo of the equipment label and the last service tag.
2. Confirm the refrigerant name exactly, including letters after the number.
3. Confirm cylinder size, system charge, and whether the job needs recovery or leak repair first.
4. Confirm technician certification, purchaser requirements, and any jobsite documentation needed.
5. Choose the cylinder or equipment route that fits the actual repair plan.

FAQ

Can R410A replace R22?

No. R410A and R22 systems use different pressures and equipment designs. A technician must determine whether repair, retrofit, or replacement is the right path.

Is R404A still used?

R404A is still searched for legacy refrigeration service, but it should be evaluated against current service rules, leak status, equipment age, and replacement options.

Where should I start if I know the refrigerant type?

Start with the refrigerant collection. If the refrigerant search is tied to a larger repair, compare the cylinder route with condensing unit and evaporator options before ordering.