Still running R-22? There's a one-cylinder fix.
R-22 production and import has been banned in the US since 2020. Existing systems still run on it, but reclaimed-gas supply is shrinking and prices spike every cooling season. HCR 4242 is the engineered replacement: retrofit-ready for any system still on R-22 with minimal to no equipment changes, no waiting for the next HFC blend's pricing to settle. Used across legacy commercial AC and medium-low refrigeration.
HCR 4242 · 2.5kg cylinder
A clean exit from R-22, without buying new equipment.
Side-by-side numbers for the same legacy AC duty point. HCR 4242 matches R-22's performance, improves it, and brings GWP to <1.
The systems most of the field is already running on.
Pre-2010 splits, rooftops, packaged units
A huge install base of commercial AC equipment is still on R-22. HCR 4242 is the single-cylinder fix that lets the equipment run another decade, without the R-22 sourcing problem.
Walk-ins, prep, light cold storage
R-22 was the workhorse for medium-low refrigeration before R-404A and R-410A took over. HCR 4242 retrofits any of it: supermarkets, restaurants, light industrial.
Equipment that won't take a different HFC blend
Some R-22 equipment doesn't tolerate a switch to R-407 or R-410A blends. HCR 4242 is engineered to drop into R-22's exact pressure curve: no charge math, no concerns about oil return.
Different refrigerant? Different blend.
HCR 4242 covers R-22 and five other legacy gases. The other four Eco Kold blends cover everything else, from low-temp refrigeration to commercial chillers.
Specifications & safety classification.
For engineers, contractors, and procurement. Full pressure-temperature data and Safety Data Sheet linked at the bottom.
Operating envelope
| Composition | Hydrocarbon blend (propane/isobutane base) |
|---|---|
| Operating pressure | 50 PSI · suction side |
| Discharge pressure | ~190 PSI · vs. R-22's ~250 PSI |
| Exit temperature | 6–8 °C at AC duty point |
| Critical temperature | 96.0 °C |
| Oil compatibility | Mineral oil · POE · alkylbenzene |
Environmental & safety
| GWP | <1 |
|---|---|
| ODP | 0 · vs R-22's 0.055 ODP |
| Safety class | A3 · flammable · standard HC handling |
| EPA SNAP | Not submitted; not available for sale in the United States |
| Charge limit | Per IEC 60335-2-89 and local code |
| UN number | UN 1965 (LPG, hydrocarbon mix) |
Three steps. Same equipment. One certified technician.
No specialty hardware. Retrofit-ready: minimal to no equipment changes. The retrofit takes a weekend on a typical commercial site.
Recover the legacy refrigerant.
Pull the R-22 charge through a certified recovery machine into an approved reclaim cylinder. Never vent. EPA-licensed technicians only.
Pull a deep vacuum.
Evacuate the system to 500 microns or lower. Hold the vacuum to verify no leaks. This step is identical to a standard refrigerant change-out.
Charge with 55% less HCR 4242.
Weigh in 450 g of HCR 4242 for every 1,000 g of R-22 removed. Verify suction pressure at ~50 PSI. Document the charge on the system label.
Specs, safety, and install instructions.
Everything a technician, engineer, or procurement team needs to evaluate HCR 4242. All PDFs, no email gate.
Common questions about HCR 4242.
What does HCR 4242 replace?
HCR 4242 is the hydrocarbon refrigerant replacement for R-22, and also covers R-407, R-507, R-438, R-448, and R-449 in legacy AC and medium-low refrigeration systems.
What is the GWP of HCR 4242?
HCR 4242 has a Global Warming Potential of <1. R-22 carries a GWP of 1,810. HCR 4242 also has zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP), compared to R-22’s ODP of 0.055. For an R-22 system, switching to HCR 4242 eliminates both the climate and ozone-layer impact simultaneously.
Is HCR 4242 EPA SNAP listed for R-22 retrofits?
An EPA SNAP submission for HCR 4242 is pending; it is not yet available for sale in the United States. R-22 has been phased out of new equipment production since 2010 but remains in tens of millions of installed systems. Approved end-uses and availability vary by country, so contact us for the current status in your market.
Can I keep using my legacy R-22 equipment with HCR 4242?
Yes. The mineral oil already in R-22 systems is compatible with HCR 4242, so no oil change is required on most installations. The compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expansion valve all stay in place. Most R-22 retrofits take a single service window per unit.
Have an R-22 system that needs a recharge?
Send us the equipment make, model, and current charge weight. We'll quote pricing for the HCR 4242 swap, lead time, and connect you with a certified installer in your region.