R22 Refrigerant Gas in the UAE: Buying Guide
R22 (chlorodifluoromethane) is an HCFC used in millions of older split and window air conditioners across the UAE. It is being phased out under the Montreal Protocol, but it remains legally available for servicing existing equipment, and demand from technicians is still strong. Here is what you need to know about supply, price and alternatives.
The regulatory position
The UAE is a party to the Montreal Protocol and follows the Article 5 (developing-country) HCFC phase-out schedule: consumption frozen at the 2009–2010 baseline from 2013, reduced 10% in 2015, 35% in 2020, 67.5% in 2025, and 97.5% by 2030, with a small servicing tail permitted to 2040. In practice this means: no new R22 equipment should be installed, virgin R22 imports are shrinking each year, and prices tend to rise over time. Servicing existing R22 units with R22 remains permitted. Always check current UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment requirements for import and handling.
R22 cylinder prices at BOTANVE
| Product | Fill weight / spec | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Refron R-22 Refrigerant Gas | AED 360 | |
| Floron 22 (R-22) Refrigerant Gas | AED 340 | |
| Mafron 22 Refrigerant Gas | AED 390 | |
| Honeywell Genetron 22 Refrigerant Gas | AED 480 | |
| Freeze R-22 Refrigerant Gas | AED 0 |
Prices are BOTANVE catalogue prices in AED including VAT at the time of writing (2026-08-30); they change with supplier costs and exchange rates — the product page always shows the current price.
Options for an ageing R22 system
| Option | When it makes sense | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Keep servicing with R22 | Unit under ~10 years, compressor healthy, small leak fixed | Cheapest short term; gas cost rising |
| Drop-in HCFC replacement (e.g. R407C-type blends) | Compressor healthy, oil compatible | Capacity/efficiency loss of a few percent; follow manufacturer guidance; not stocked by BOTANVE |
| Replace the unit with R410A / R32 | Compressor failing or unit over 10–12 years | Higher efficiency; see AC units |
Never top up an R22 system with R410A — the pressures and oils are incompatible and the compressor will fail.
Handling and safety
Recover, never vent, when opening a system. Store cylinders upright away from heat. Use gauges dedicated to R22 or clean them thoroughly between gases. For compressor replacement on R22 systems, Copeland ZR-series scroll compressors are the usual fit — see ZR vs ZP.
Frequently asked questions
Is R22 still legal in the UAE?
Yes for servicing existing equipment; it is being phased out under the Montreal Protocol and new R22 equipment should not be installed.
How much is an R22 cylinder in the UAE?
BOTANVE lists R22 from about AED 380 (Floron) to AED 480 (Honeywell) per cylinder at the time of writing; current prices are on the product pages.
Which R22 brand is best?
Honeywell Genetron 22 is the premium option; Refron, Floron and Mafron are established service-market brands. See Refron vs Floron vs Mafron.
Can I convert my R22 unit to R410A?
Not by changing the gas alone. R410A needs a compatible compressor, oil and higher-pressure components — effectively a new unit.
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This guide is general information based on BOTANVE catalogue data and widely published HVAC-R practice. It is not a substitute for the equipment manufacturer's installation manual or the advice of a qualified engineer. Prices and availability change; the product page is authoritative.
