R22 PT Chart: Everything You Need to Know About Legacy Refrigeration

22 Aug, 2025
Posted by: American Mortuary Coolers

For decades, R22 (commonly called HCFC-22) was the refrigerant of choice in air conditioning, refrigeration, and mortuary coolers. One of the most important tools for managing systems using R22 is the PT (Pressure-Temperature) Chart.

Even though R22 is being phased out under environmental regulations, thousands of systems remain in service. Funeral homes and mortuaries using older coolers still rely on the R22 PT chart for maintenance and troubleshooting.

What is R22 Refrigerant?

Chemical Name: Chlorodifluoromethane
Common Uses: Air conditioners, commercial refrigeration, mortuary coolers
Phase-Out Status: Production banned in the U.S. since 2020 due to ozone depletion concerns

Funeral homes with older mortuary coolers may still operate on R22, making the R22 PT chart essential for system monitoring.

Why the R22 PT Chart Matters

The R22 pressure-temperature chart allows technicians to:

Match system pressure to expected temperature
Diagnose undercharge or overcharge conditions
Ensure efficient cooling for mortuary coolers
Extend system life while planning upgrades

How to Read the R22 PT Chart

The chart provides the saturation temperature for R22 refrigerant at given pressures.

Low Pressure Side (Suction): Helps ensure proper evaporator performance
High Pressure Side (Discharge): Confirms condenser operation

Example:
At 40°F saturation temperature, R22 pressure is 68.5 PSIG.

If your system shows significantly different values, it may indicate leaks or inefficiency.

Sample R22 PT Chart (Partial)

Temperature (°F)	Pressure (PSIG)
-20	11.9
-10	18.1
0	24.2
10	30.4
20	36.6
30	42.6
40	68.5
50	84.0

👉 Full charts list data across a wide range of temperatures for accurate system checks.

Application in Mortuary Coolers

Funeral homes with older mortuary coolers using R22 should use the PT chart during:

Routine maintenance checks
Leak detection and repair
Efficiency audits to manage energy costs
Transition planning for modern refrigerants (like R-404A or R-134a)

R22 Phase-Out: What Funeral Homes Need to Know

Production Banned (2020): No new R22 is being manufactured.
Recycled or Reclaimed Only: Existing R22 can still be used but is costly.
Upgrading Equipment: Many funeral homes are upgrading to coolers running on R-404A or R-448A, which deliver efficiency and compliance.

American Mortuary Equipment Company specializes in modern mortuary coolers with compliant refrigerants, ensuring funeral homes don’t risk downtime or compliance issues.

Best Practices for Funeral Directors & Technicians

Monitor Regularly: Compare gauge readings to the R22 PT chart.
Plan for Transition: Budget for upgrading to R-404A or similar systems.
Schedule Servicing: Use certified HVAC technicians for R22 systems.
Work with Trusted Suppliers: Ensure replacement coolers are built for compliance and efficiency.

American Mortuary Equipment Company Advantage

We help funeral homes transition from R22-based systems to modern, energy-efficient mortuary coolers. Benefits include:

Affordable walk-in and upright mortuary coolers
Energy-efficient refrigerants (R-404A, R-448A)
Nationwide service and support
Custom sizing and installation

FAQs

What pressure should R22 run at?

Depends on evaporator temperature, but for 40°F, expect ~68.5 PSIG.

Can I still use R22?

Yes, but it’s expensive and limited to recycled/reclaimed stock.

What refrigerant replaces R22?

Common replacements include R-404A, R-407C, and R-134a, depending on the system.

Conclusion

The R22 PT chart remains a vital tool for maintaining older refrigeration systems, including mortuary coolers. By monitoring temperature and pressure, funeral directors and technicians can extend system life and ensure reliable preservation.

However, with R22 phase-outs in effect, funeral homes should plan for upgrades. At American Mortuary Equipment Company, we provide modern, affordable mortuary coolers designed for long-term reliability, efficiency, and compliance.