Refrigerant & Recovery Equipment Guide for Mortuary Cooler Technicians

Every refrigeration technician servicing mortuary coolers eventually needs refrigerant, recovery equipment, or both — and the rules around which refrigerant you're allowed to buy, and where, have gotten more complicated in the last few years. This guide covers the full refrigerant and recovery line and the compliance basics every buyer should know before ordering.

Legacy refrigerants: R-22

Production and import of new R-22 ended in the U.S. on January 1, 2020, so every cylinder sold today comes from existing inventory. It remains the correct refrigerant for pre-2010 systems and should never be mixed with a replacement refrigerant. EPA Section 608 certification is required to purchase. Available in 10 lb, 30 lb, and full-pallet bulk quantities.

Common commercial blends: R-404A, R-407C, R-507

These HFC blends cover most existing commercial refrigeration and R-22 retrofit work: R-404A for grocery and cold-room refrigeration, R-407C for ducted AC and heat pump retrofits, and R-507 as an R-502 replacement for low-temperature systems. California and New York orders of R-404A and R-507 require the reclaimed versions under California SB 1206 — see the R-404A Reclaimed and R-507 Reclaimed cylinders.

Next-generation low-GWP & A2L refrigerants

R-454B and R-448A are low-GWP replacements built for new equipment — not retrofits of existing R-410A or R-404A systems. R-454B is classified ASHRAE A2L (mildly flammable) and requires A2L-compatible service equipment and trained technicians; R-448A is A1 (non-flammable). This is the same A2L transition covered in our A2L refrigerant guide for mortuary coolers.

Recovery equipment

Proper refrigerant recovery isn't optional — it's an EPA requirement, and it's also the right way to plan for equipment replacement (see our trade-in and disposal guide). Our 50 lb recovery tank pairs with a recovery machine and manifold gauge set for full-service jobs.

Buying the right refrigerant the first time

• Confirm your system's existing refrigerant before ordering — never assume based on age alone.
• Check EPA 608 certification requirements before purchasing R-22 or other regulated refrigerants.
• California and New York buyers: confirm whether SB 1206 requires the reclaimed version of your refrigerant.
• A2L refrigerants require A2L-rated service equipment — confirm your tools are compatible before a job, not during one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need certification to buy R-22?

Yes, EPA Section 608 certification is required to purchase R-22.

Why do California and New York require reclaimed R-404A or R-507?

California SB 1206, effective January 1, 2025, prohibits the sale of bulk HFCs with a GWP over 2,200 and requires contractors to service existing equipment with reclaimed refrigerant in that state; New York has adopted similar requirements.

Can I use R-454B or R-448A to retrofit an existing system?

No. Both are designed for new equipment engineered around low-GWP refrigerants, not for retrofitting existing R-410A or R-404A systems.