If your air conditioning was installed before the mid-2000s, it may run on R22. If it went in during the following decade or so, it is probably R410A. The refrigerant type is printed on the rating plate of the outdoor unit. That one label tells you a lot about your options when something goes wrong.
This guide explains the legal position for each refrigerant, then gives a practical way to weigh up a repair against a replacement.
R22: why repair options are limited
R22 is an HCFC, an ozone-depleting substance, not an HFC. The ozone rules are stricter than the F gas phase-down. According to NetRegs guidance on ODS controls, HCFCs can no longer be used for servicing equipment, and the use of recovered or reclaimed HCFCs to top up or service equipment has been banned since 1 January 2015.
That means an R22 system that loses refrigerant can’t legally be recharged with R22. Some systems were converted to “drop-in” replacement refrigerants years ago, but these often change capacity and reliability, and a system of that age is near the end of its life anyway. If an R22 system develops a leak or a compressor fault, replacement is usually the sensible answer. While it still runs, it can stay in use, and when it is removed the refrigerant must be recovered by a qualified engineer.
R410A: still repairable
R410A is an HFC with a GWP of 2,088. Using and servicing R410A systems remains legal in Great Britain. What is changing is supply: the GB HFC quota steps down to 24% of the baseline on 1 January 2027, so R410A is expected to get scarcer and dearer to buy for top-ups. Our 2027 phase-down guide has the detail.
New single split systems with less than 3 kg of refrigerant can no longer use gases with a GWP above 750, which is why replacement units use R32 (GWP 675). See our R32 vs R410A guide for the differences.
Want it done properly? AirCon Doctor installs, repairs and services air conditioning and heat pumps across London and the South East, from our base in East Grinstead. We’re an F-Gas certified company and NICEIC approved. Get a fixed-price quote.
Questions to ask before you pay for a repair
- How old is the system? Age matters less than condition, but parts for older models can be hard to source.
- What has failed? A fan motor, sensor or circuit board is a different decision from a compressor or a coil that keeps leaking.
- Has it leaked before? A repeat leak that is topped up without a proper repair is money lost. A leak should be found and fixed, then the system checked again.
- Is it still doing the job? If the room has changed, or the unit never coped in a heatwave, a repair won’t fix poor sizing.
- Is the pipework reusable? Sometimes it is, after checks and flushing. Sometimes new pipework is the better job. The surveying engineer decides, not the price list.
A simple way to weigh it up
| Situation | Usually |
|---|---|
| R22 system with a leak or major fault | Replace |
| R22 system working well | Keep using, but plan and budget for replacement |
| R410A system, minor fault, no leak history | Repair |
| R410A system, leak found and repairable | Repair the leak, recharge, recheck |
| R410A system, compressor failure or repeat leaks | Get a replacement quote before committing |
Efficiency is part of the picture too. Newer inverter systems usually publish higher seasonal efficiency figures than older models, which can lower running costs. Compare the SEER and SCOP of the old and new units on the manufacturers’ data sheets rather than relying on general claims. Our SCOP and SEER guide explains the numbers.
How we handle it
For a fault, our repair call-out starts from £75 + VAT for diagnosis. The engineer tells you what has failed and, if a repair doesn’t make sense, says so. If you decide to replace, we survey and give you a fixed-price quote. A replacement single room split starts at £1,200–£2,200 + VAT and includes supply, installation, commissioning and F gas documentation. The old refrigerant is recovered by our F-Gas certified team, not vented.
New equipment comes with the manufacturer’s warranty, which we explain brand by brand on your quote. For example, Daikin’s standard warranty on split air conditioning is 2 years.
Quick answers
Can R22 air conditioning still be regassed?
No. HCFCs such as R22 can no longer be used for servicing, and the last exemption, for recovered or reclaimed HCFC, ended on 1 January 2015.
Is it illegal to keep using an R22 system?
Using a working system is not the problem; servicing it with R22 is. Most owners replace it when it next needs refrigerant work.
Can I put R32 into my R410A system?
No. A system is designed for its refrigerant. Changing refrigerant means replacing the equipment.
Is it worth repairing an R410A system?
Often yes, if it is reliable and the fault is minor. Repeat leaks or compressor failure usually tip the balance towards replacement.
Related services
- Air conditioning repair
- Air conditioning installation
- Air conditioning regas
- Air conditioning servicing
More advice
- R32 vs R410A Refrigerant: What You Need to Know
- The 2027 F-Gas Phase-Down in Great Britain: What It Means for You
- How Long Does Air Conditioning Last? Lifespan and Replacement Guide
- Air Conditioning Regas: What It Is and When You Need It
- Air Conditioning Not Cooling: Causes and How to Fix It
- All advice
This guide is general information, checked against the sources linked on 30 October 2026. It isn’t legal, tax or financial advice. Rules, grants and product ranges change, so check the current position before you rely on it.