R-22 drop-ins

[aldematt57]

I know this issue has been discussed in several HVAC forums ad nauseum, but I'm interested in more opinions on what would be the most suitable long term drop-in for R-22 at the best price.
Here in the states,407-C seems to be the most widely accepted alternative. It's not cheap.
But then again, R-22 prices have doubled for me in the last 6 months, unless I buy it in bulk.

[Brian_UK]

I think that R417a is a good drop-in for R22 although there may be some seal replacement needed.

http://www.epa.gov/ozone/snap/refrigerants/lists/indac.html

[Pol]

Hi,

We used Isceon 59 ( R417a) as a replacement on R22 split units, without altering anything else. expensive indeed, but works excellent.

[Lowrider]

A co-worker of mine is retrofitting 10 chillers from R22 to R422d.He says it works very well! Haven't used it yet, myself!

[aldematt57]

Thank you for the responses.

It appears as though we will be seeing alot more drop-in replacements for resi and light commercial work here in the US well before the 2010 new production cut-off date.
My local distributor is pushing 417-C because it is very close to R-22 in capacity and efficiency.

My R-22 pricing has gone through the roof, as expcted.:o

[star882]

I have used ES-22a in A/C and it works fine...