R22 vs R32 vs R410A: Which Gas Does Your Aircond Need?

“What gas does my aircond use?” It’s a question we hear daily from homeowners in Kepong and Kuala Lumpur. And getting the answer wrong matters more than you might think.

Using the wrong refrigerant can damage your AC or even create a safety hazard in your home. We’ll break down exactly what you need to know about AC refrigerants in Malaysia right now.

The Three Main Types

R22 (Freon)

Status: Phased out (Strictly regulated in Malaysia) ❌

R22 was the undisputed standard for decades, but it severely damages the ozone layer. Under Malaysia’s HCFC Phase-Out Management Plan (HPMP Stage III), the Department of Environment has set a hard target to eliminate its use by 2030.

Key facts:

• Production Ban: Importation of new R22 air conditioners was banned in Malaysia years ago.
• Scarcity: Import quotas for the gas itself have been reduced by over 70% as of 2023.
• Cost: Prices have skyrocketed due to limited supply.
• Incompatibility: You cannot use R22 in modern R32 or R410A units.

If your AC uses R22:

• Servicing is expensive: A simple top-up can now cost RM80 to RM150+, significantly more than modern gases.
• Leaks are fatal: If your compressor dies or you have a major leak, repairing it is often throwing good money away.
• Plan for replacement: We strongly advise upgrading to an inverter R32 unit rather than sinking funds into an obsolete R22 system.

Insider Tip: Beware of “drop-in” replacements like MO99 unless your technician knows exactly what they are doing. R22 systems use Mineral Oil, while newer gases use Synthetic (POE) Oil. Mixing these oils turns them into a sludge that will kill your compressor.

R410A (Puron)

Status: Current standard (But fading) ✅

R410A replaced R22 and was the go-to choice for most Malaysian homes between 2010 and 2020.

Key facts:

• High Pressure: Operates at pressures approximately 1.6 times higher than R22.
• Ozone Safe: It does not deplete the ozone layer, which was its main selling point over R22.
• Global Warming: It still has a high Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 2088, which is why it is now being replaced.
• Availability: Widely available in Malaysia and servicing is standard.

Pros:

• Proven reliability over the last 15 years.
• Parts and gas are readily available at reasonable prices.
• Safe and non-flammable (A1 safety rating).

Cons:

• Less energy-efficient than the newer R32.
• Requires thicker copper piping (0.71mm minimum) compared to old R22 units.

R32

Status: The Future (Standard for new units) ✅✅

R32 is the current industry standard in Malaysia, championed by major brands like Daikin and Acson.

Key facts:

• Efficiency King: Typically 10% more energy-efficient than R410A, which means lower TNB bills for you.
• Eco-Friendly: Has a GWP of only 675 (roughly one-third of R410A).
• Single Component: Easier to recycle and top up because it doesn’t separate into different gases like R410A does.

Pros:

• Lowest running costs due to superior efficiency.
• Zero ozone depletion.
• Requires less refrigerant volume to cool the same amount of space.

Cons:

• Mildly Flammable (A2L): This sounds scary, but it is safe for residential use when installed by certified professionals.
• Incompatible Piping: You strictly cannot reuse old R22 copper pipes unless they are cleaned and meet the thickness requirement (0.71mm or SWG 22).

Pro Warning: When installing a new R32 unit, insist on 0.71mm (SWG 22) copper piping. Some budget installers use thinner 0.61mm pipes to cut costs. We have seen these thinner pipes burst under the high pressure of R32 gas.

Comparison Chart

Feature	R22	R410A	R32
Ozone Impact	High (Banned)	None	None
Global Warming (GWP)	High (1810)	High (2088)	Low (675)
Efficiency	Lower	Medium	Highest
Top-Up Cost (Est.)	RM80 - RM150+	RM60 - RM100	RM60 - RM100
Copper Thickness	0.61mm okay	0.71mm required	0.71mm required
Oil Type	Mineral Oil	Synthetic (POE)	Synthetic (POE)

How to Find Out What Gas Your AC Uses

Method 1: Check the Outdoor Sticker

Go outside and look at the “Dataplate” label on your compressor unit. It will explicitly state “Refrigerant: R32” or “R410A”.

Common locations:

• Side of the outdoor unit (most reliable).
• Under the front cover of the indoor unit.

Method 2: Check the Service Valve

This is a trick for the pros. The charging port for R410A and R32 is usually larger (5/16”) compared to the smaller port (1/4”) used for R22. If your technician’s standard hose doesn’t fit, it’s likely a newer model.

Method 3: Search the Model Number

Google your specific model code (e.g., “Daikin FTV35P”) + “specs”.

Method 4: Ask a Technician

Any competent technician can identify the gas type within seconds of looking at the unit.

Why Refrigerant Type Matters

1. They Are Not Interchangeable

You cannot put R410A into an R22 system. We often see compressors destroyed because untrained workers tried to mix gases.

What happens if you mix:

• Compressor seizure: The mineral oil in R22 units turns to sludge when mixed with R410A/R32 synthetic oil.
• Burst pipes: R410A and R32 operate at nearly double the pressure of R22. Old pipes will rupture.

2. Price Differences

Servicing costs in 2026 are heavily influenced by gas type:

• R22: Expensive and rising. A full refill can cost over RM250.
• R410A: Stable pricing.
• R32: Very affordable and widely available.

3. Environmental Impact

If you care about the environment, R32 is the only logical choice today. It is part of Malaysia’s commitment to the Montreal Protocol.

When You Need Gas Top-Up

Your AC is a closed loop. It does not “consume” gas like a car consumes petrol. If you need a gas top-up, you likely have a leak.

Signs you need a check:

• Air is blowing, but it’s not cold.
• Ice is forming on the copper pipes or the indoor coil.
• Hissing sounds coming from the indoor unit.

Normal gas life: A properly installed unit should last 10+ years without ever needing a gas top-up.

R22 Phase-Out: What You Need to Know

If your AC uses R22, you are on borrowed time.

Short-term options:

• Keep using it until it breaks.
• Be prepared for high service bills if a leak occurs.

Long-term solution:

• Replace it. The electricity savings from a new 4-star or 5-star energy-rated R32 inverter will likely pay for the new unit within 2-3 years.
• Avoid “second-hand” R22 units. They are not worth the installation cost.

Timeline consideration: Most R22 systems in Malaysia are now over 10-12 years old. Finding spare parts like PCBs or fan motors for these units is becoming nearly impossible.

Our Recommendation

Your Situation	Our Advice
Buying New	Choose R32 Inverter (Daikin/Acson/Panasonic)
Existing R410A	Keep using. It’s still supported and efficient.
R22 Unit < 10 Years	Maintain it, but don’t spend more than RM300 on repairs.
R22 Unit > 10 Years	Do not repair. Replace with R32.
Frequent Top-Ups	Fix the leak. Stop wasting money on gas.

Gas Top-Up at AC Service Pro

We stock all major refrigerant types for residential and commercial units:

• R22 (Reserved for critical repairs on viable systems).
• R410A (Full stock available).
• R32 (The standard for all new installations).

What’s included in our service:

• Professional pressure check using calibrated gauges.
• Leak inspection on accessible piping.
• Gas charging to manufacturer specifications.
• Amperage reading to ensure compressor health.

Note: With our chemical wash, gas top-up checks are part of the comprehensive service!

Need Gas Top-Up?

Not sure which gas your unit needs? Don’t worry. Contact us and our team will identify it immediately upon arrival.

We prioritize finding the root cause of leaks rather than just topping up gas repeatedly, saving you money in the long run.