Every air conditioner uses a refrigerant gas to transfer heat from inside your room to the outdoors. If you have ever had your aircond serviced and the technician mentioned “gas top-up” or “refrigerant recharge,” the type of gas in your system matters more than you might think. It affects your aircond’s energy efficiency, cooling performance, environmental impact, and even the cost of servicing.
In Malaysia, three types of refrigerant are commonly found in residential and commercial aircond systems: R22, R410A, and R32. This guide explains the differences between them, how to identify which one your aircond uses, and what it means for you as a homeowner or business operator in Petaling Jaya and the Klang Valley.
R22 (Freon): The Old Standard
R22, commonly known as Freon, was the standard refrigerant in air conditioners for decades. If your aircond was manufactured before 2015, there is a good chance it uses R22.
Key facts about R22:
- Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP): 0.055 — it damages the ozone layer
- Global Warming Potential (GWP): 1,810 — significant climate impact
- Status in Malaysia: Production and import are being phased out under the Montreal Protocol. Malaysia has committed to complete phase-out of HCFCs by 2030
- Availability: Still available for servicing existing units, but becoming more expensive each year
- Operating pressure: Lower than R410A and R32
What this means for you: If your aircond still uses R22, you can continue to service and top up the gas, but you should expect the cost of R22 refrigerant to keep rising as supply decreases. The gas itself currently costs between RM 80 and RM 150 per top-up session in the Klang Valley, and this price has been increasing year over year.
More importantly, when your R22 aircond eventually needs replacement, you cannot simply swap the gas to R32 or R410A. The entire system (indoor unit, outdoor unit, and often the piping) needs to be replaced because the different refrigerants operate at different pressures and require different components.
R410A: The Transitional Improvement
R410A became the mainstream replacement for R22 starting around 2010 to 2015. Most mid-range and premium airconds sold in Malaysia between 2010 and 2020 use R410A.
Key facts about R410A:
- Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP): 0 — does not damage the ozone layer
- Global Warming Potential (GWP): 2,088 — actually higher than R22 in terms of climate impact
- Status in Malaysia: Still widely available and legal, but being superseded by R32 in new models
- Operating pressure: Higher than R22, requiring thicker copper piping
- Efficiency: Better cooling performance than R22 at the same compressor capacity
What this means for you: R410A is a solid, reliable refrigerant that performs well in Malaysia’s tropical climate. Servicing and gas top-ups are straightforward and reasonably priced (RM 60 to RM 120 per top-up). If your aircond uses R410A and is still in good working condition, there is no urgent reason to replace it.
However, the industry is moving toward R32, and most new aircond models from major brands now use R32 instead of R410A. When your R410A unit eventually reaches end of life, its replacement will almost certainly be an R32 system.
R32: The Current Standard
R32 is the latest mainstream refrigerant used in air conditioners sold in Malaysia. Since around 2018 to 2019, most new residential and light commercial airconds from brands like Daikin, Panasonic, Midea, and York come factory-charged with R32.
Key facts about R32:
- Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP): 0 — no ozone damage
- Global Warming Potential (GWP): 675 — approximately one-third of R410A
- Status in Malaysia: The current standard for new installations
- Operating pressure: Similar to R410A
- Efficiency: Approximately 10 percent more energy efficient than R410A
- Charge amount: Requires about 30 percent less refrigerant by weight than R410A for the same capacity
- Flammability: Classified as A2L (mildly flammable), but the risk is negligible in normal use
What this means for you: R32 is the best refrigerant currently available for residential and light commercial use. It is more energy efficient, requires less gas per charge, and has a significantly lower environmental impact than both R22 and R410A. If you are buying a new aircond, R32 is the way to go.
The mild flammability classification sometimes concerns homeowners, but it is important to understand the context. R32 is classified as “lower flammability” (A2L), meaning it only ignites under very specific conditions that are essentially impossible during normal aircond operation. All R32 systems sold in Malaysia meet international safety standards, and there have been no documented safety incidents with R32 airconds in residential use.
How to Identify Which Refrigerant Your Aircond Uses
You do not need a technician to find out which refrigerant your aircond uses. Simply check the data label on your outdoor unit (the compressor unit outside your home or building). The label clearly states the refrigerant type, usually as “Refrigerant: R32” or “R410A” or “R22.”
If the outdoor unit is difficult to access, you can also check:
- The original purchase receipt or installation manual
- The indoor unit’s data label (usually behind the front panel or on the side)
- The brand’s website using your model number
Quick identification by age:
- Installed before 2010: Almost certainly R22
- Installed between 2010 and 2018: Likely R410A (some premium models may be R32)
- Installed after 2018: Probably R32 (unless it is a budget or older stock model)
Comparison Table
| Feature | R22 | R410A | R32 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ozone damage | Yes | No | No |
| Global warming impact | High (1,810) | Very high (2,088) | Lower (675) |
| Energy efficiency | Baseline | Better | Best |
| Gas charge needed | Standard | Standard | 30% less |
| Availability in Malaysia | Declining | Good | Excellent |
| Top-up cost (PJ area) | RM 80-150 | RM 60-120 | RM 60-120 |
| New units available | No (discontinued) | Limited | Yes (standard) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert my R22 aircond to use R32 or R410A? No. You cannot simply change the refrigerant in an existing system. The compressor, piping, expansion valve, and other components are designed for a specific refrigerant’s pressure and characteristics. Attempting to use the wrong refrigerant will damage the system and void the warranty. When your R22 unit needs replacement, the entire system must be changed.
Is R32 safe to use at home? Yes. Despite its A2L mild flammability classification, R32 is used safely in millions of homes worldwide, including throughout Malaysia. The amount of refrigerant in a residential aircond is small, and the system is sealed. Normal use poses no safety risk.
Will R410A be phased out like R22? There is no immediate phase-out plan for R410A in Malaysia, but the global trend is clearly moving toward lower-GWP refrigerants like R32. Most manufacturers have already shifted their new product lines to R32.
Does the refrigerant type affect servicing cost? The type of refrigerant has a modest impact on gas top-up cost, but the bigger cost factor is the overall condition of your system. A well-maintained R22 system is cheaper to service than a neglected R32 system. At PJ Kool Aircond Service, we stock all three refrigerant types and include gas top-up as part of our chemical wash service at no additional charge.
What We Recommend
If you are buying a new aircond for your home or office in Petaling Jaya, go with R32. It is more efficient, better for the environment, and will be the standard for the foreseeable future.
If your current aircond uses R22 and is more than 10 years old, start planning for a replacement. The cost of R22 gas will only increase, and you will benefit from the energy savings of a new R32 inverter unit.
For any questions about refrigerant types or to schedule a service, contact PJ Kool Aircond Service. We service all refrigerant types and can advise you on the best options for your specific situation.
Suspected a refrigerant issue? Our aircond repair and diagnostics service includes pressure testing and gas top-up — with honest, transparent pricing and no unnecessary upselling.
