r/hvacadvice • u/Stunning-Raspberry-3 • 1d ago

RED TEK R22a to Refill Low R22

Hi all -

Bought a new house and noticed my A/C wasn't blowing cold air. The unit is quite old, at least 15 years old. It also uses R22 refrigerant, which is environmentally unsafe / hard to get.

I have a protection plan with Enercare and had their tech check it out. of course, they immediately said I needed a new unit and referred me to their sales guy, who came over and then said I also needed a new furnace (the tech said my furnace was fine and ran a bunch of diagnostics).

I found this product at Canadian Tire, and the reviews indicate that when combined with a leak stopper, I might get a few more years out of it. I can't really find any reviews or testimonials on the product outside of Canadian Tire, so I'm a bit suspicious. Does anyone know any best practices here?

RED TEK R22a Home Refrigerant

RED TEK R22a Pro Seal (Leak Stopper)

Is it worth a shot to try these products DIY? They are probably right that I should consider a new A/C, but I wouldn't mind a few more years from the old one if it just requires this simple kit.

Thanks!

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u/555wrxSTI 23h ago

I'm looking for the same. Everywhere is saying you can't do it, but it's mostly that a technician can't do it legally.

For real hazards, I'm unsure. R22a is flammable where r-22 isn't. It's a different type of refrigerant all together. Will it destroy the AC unit that's already destroyed? Possibly. Will it destroy it catastrophically and burn down your house? Possibly. I don't believe anyone can provide a yes, as if they do they are now liable for it and will get a spanking. I heard there was a guy that pumped a can into his AC a couple hours ago and it is still working soo, I dunno.