As HVAC systems evolve and environmental regulations tighten, many contractors, technicians, and end-users face a crucial decision: Should I buy reclaimed refrigerants or invest in new alternatives? While reclaimed refrigerants may seem like a cost-effective solution on the surface, there are multiple hidden dangers and downsides that could impact your equipment, efficiency, and even legal compliance.

In this article, we’ll explore why reclaimed gases could be bad, the risks they pose to your HVAC systems and business, and why more professionals are shifting to factory-sealed, virgin refrigerants from trusted sources like Royal Refrigerants.

What Are Reclaimed Gases?

Reclaimed refrigerants are used refrigerant gases that have been recovered from HVAC systems and processed to meet specific purity standards (usually AHRI-700). These gases are not new—they have been cleaned, filtered, and certified for reuse. While reclaiming is better for the environment than venting refrigerants into the atmosphere, reusing these gases still presents several concerns.

Why Reclaimed Gases Could Be Bad: Key Reasons

1. Purity Can Be Unpredictable

Even though reclaimed refrigerants are meant to meet AHRI-700 purity standards, the reality can vary greatly. Reclaimers may have different processes or equipment, and cross-contamination can occur during recovery, transport, or storage. Any remaining impurities—moisture, oil, acids, or non-condensables—can damage your HVAC equipment over time.

⚠️ Problem: Even a slight deviation in purity can cause compressor failure, inefficient cooling, or system corrosion.

2. Higher Risk of System Damage

Reclaimed gases that are improperly processed or contaminated can damage sensitive system components. This includes:

✔ Compressors
✔ Expansion valves
✔ Heat exchangers
✔ Sensors

Unlike factory-sealed refrigerants that come with guaranteed specifications, reclaimed gases carry uncertainty and added maintenance risks.

💡 Real-world example: A contractor reused R-22 reclaimed from an older unit. Within months, the replacement unit failed due to acid buildup caused by leftover oil and moisture in the reclaimed refrigerant.

3. Performance Issues in Modern HVAC Systems

Most modern HVAC systems are designed with specific refrigerant blends in mind. Reclaimed refrigerants, especially older blends like R-22 or R-12, may not perform well—or even be incompatible—with newer equipment.

✔ Loss in efficiency
✔ Incorrect pressure-temperature relationships
✔ Shortened lifespan of the system

That’s why many technicians now avoid reclaimed refrigerants entirely, especially for advanced or high-efficiency systems.

4. Legal and Regulatory Concerns

Reclaimed refrigerants must meet strict EPA and DOT regulations. Improper labeling, transport, or documentation can lead to fines, inspections, or liability claims. If your supplier doesn’t provide full transparency, you may unknowingly be using refrigerants that are:

✔ Non-compliant with EPA rules
✔ Improperly reclaimed
✔ Mixed or mislabeled

✅ At Royal Refrigerants, we only offer new, factory-sealed refrigerant cylinders with full compliance and traceability.

5. Warranty and Insurance Problems

Many HVAC equipment manufacturers void warranties if reclaimed or recycled refrigerants are used. Similarly, insurance claims may be denied if it's found that the system was damaged by a questionable refrigerant source.

🛑 Using reclaimed gases can cost more in the long run due to voided warranties and uncovered repair expenses.

6. Inconsistent Supply and Pricing

The availability of reclaimed refrigerants, especially phased-out types like R-22, can be highly unpredictable. Prices often spike without warning due to scarcity, demand fluctuations, or regulation changes.

In contrast, alternative refrigerants and newer, EPA-approved blends are:

✨ More stable in price
✨ More widely available
✨ Designed to meet modern performance and environmental standards

7. Environmental Risks

Although reclaiming refrigerants prevents emissions, using contaminated or improperly reclaimed gases can lead to leaks and environmental harm.

✨ Leaks from degraded equipment due to impure refrigerants
✨ Accidental venting during system failure
✨ Higher carbon footprint from inefficient performance

For environmentally conscious businesses and technicians, virgin refrigerants with low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) are a better, greener solution.

Why Customers Should Buy New Factory-Sealed Refrigerants Instead

Now that you understand why reclaimed gases could be bad, let’s look at why new refrigerants from Royal Refrigerants are a better option.

✅ Guaranteed Purity

All of our refrigerants are:

✨ New
✨ Factory-sealed
✨ Manufactured to the highest industry standards

This ensures you get the exact product composition you need for performance, safety, and compliance.

✅ Compatible with Modern HVAC Systems

We offer refrigerants that work with a wide range of systems, including:

✔ R-410A (for residential and commercial cooling)
✔ R-448A and R-449A (low-GWP replacements)
✔ R-134a (automotive and industrial use)
✔ R-507 and others for commercial refrigeration

No guesswork, no mixing, and no compatibility concerns.

✅ Safer for Technicians and Equipment

Using pure, factory-sealed refrigerants:

✔ Reduces the risk of equipment failure
✔ Keeps systems operating efficiently
✔ Makes your job as a technician faster and more predictable

✅ EPA-Approved and Fully Compliant

Royal Refrigerants ensures that all refrigerants meet:

✔ AHRI standards
✔ EPA Clean Air Act guidelines
✔ DOT transportation rules

You’ll never worry about being out of compliance.

✅ Fast Shipping and Easy Ordering

We offer:

✔ Same business day shipping
✔ USA-based warehouses
✔ Secure packaging and labeling

This means you get what you need—fast, safe, and stress-free.

Alternatives to Reclaimed Refrigerants

If you're looking for cost-effective options without the risks of reclaimed gases, here are some top choices from Royal Refrigerants:

Each of these refrigerants offers a better long-term value than reclaimed options—and they’re always factory sealed and ready to ship from our online store.

Final Thoughts: The Real Cost of Reclaimed Gases

While reclaimed refrigerants might seem like a bargain, the hidden costs—system damage, poor performance, regulatory issues, and potential liability—can quickly outweigh any initial savings.

When you factor in the risks, it becomes clear:
Reclaimed refrigerants are not worth the gamble.

By choosing new, factory-sealed refrigerants from Royal Refrigerants, you’re protecting your equipment, your business, and your customers. Whether you're an HVAC professional, contractor, or business owner, investing in quality refrigerants is the smart, long-term choice.