Mechanical Retrofits (R22 Replacement)
Stop burning cash on R22
R22 is legacy, scarce and expensive. If your plant still runs on R22, you’re paying more for refrigerant and call-outs, with higher leak risk and compliance exposure. We retrofit existing systems to proven R22 replacements or engineer full plant upgrades—fast, compliant, minimal downtime.
Your options: retrofit vs replace
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Like-for-like mechanical retrofit (keep the plant):
Convert to an R22 replacement blend (e.g. R438A, R422D, R407C for A/C; R448A/R449A for low/med temp), update oil to POE where required, change driers, seals, and set/replace TXVs. Good for solid, mid-life assets. -
Targeted component upgrades:
New electronic expansion valves, EC fan motors, smart controllers, case door heater optimisation, defrost logic. Gains in stability and energy without a full rip-and-replace. -
Full system replacement:
When coils are corroded, compressors are tired, or controls are obsolete. We can step you to lower-GWP refrigerants or transcritical CO₂ where it suits your duty and budget.
We’ll model performance, capacity shift and operating costs so you pick the option with the best payback.
What a proper R22 retrofit involves
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Site survey & datascan: Nameplates, duty, pipe sizes, TXV type, oil, control strategy, leak history.
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Refrigerant choice & capacity check: Glide, mass-flow and compression ratio impact assessed for your duty.
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Oil management: Mineral/AB to POE changeover where required (flush or staged oil changes).
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Seals & elastomers: Replace O-rings likely to shrink or swell on POE.
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Metering devices: Re-orifice or swap TXVs; confirm superheat and subcool targets for the new blend.
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Dryers & filtration: New cores/liquid-line driers; install suction filters on suspect compressors.
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Evacuation & charge: Deep vac and weighed-in charge per manufacturer guidelines.
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Controls & tuning: Update setpoints, defrost, fan control, door heaters; verify with trend logs.
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Compliance & records: ARCtick-licensed techs; leak check, label updates and handover report.
Typical downtime and time on site
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Small split A/C or single-pack condensing unit: 3–6 hours
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Medium walk-in cold/freezer room (single circuit): 6–12 hours
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Large multi-evap rack: Staged over 1–3 days to keep cases online
We stage works to protect stock and service. After-hours options available.
Why retrofit now
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Slash R22 spend: Replacement blends cost less and are easier to source than reclaimed R22.
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Stability & uptime: Fresh driers, tuned TXVs and modern controls reduce icing, short cycling and nuisance trips.
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Energy savings: EC fans, EEVs and smarter defrosts deliver real kWh reductions.
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Compliance comfort: Correct labels, logs and leak checks. No headaches.
Brands & systems we handle
Bitzer, Danfoss, Emerson/Copeland, Carel, Eliwell, SKOPE, Patton, Kirby, Heatcraft/LU-VE and more—A/C, cool rooms, freezer rooms, display cases, process chillers.
Service areas
Brisbane, Gold Coast, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, Redlands, Sunshine Coast and wider SE QLD. Multi-site national coverage by arrangement.
Pricing & quotes
We scope first, then give a fixed proposal showing labour, parts, expected charge, and any recommended efficiency add-ons with simple payback.
Book a site assessment
Send plant photos (compressor, nameplate, controller), current fault/alarm history, and last leak/charge records. We’ll come prepared and keep you cold.
FAQs
Can I keep my existing compressor on a retrofit?
Often, yes—if it’s healthy and compatible with the target blend and POE oil. We confirm by inspection and trend data.
Will capacity change on R22 replacements?
There can be shifts. We size and tune TXVs, superheat and charge to keep duties within spec. If capacity is marginal, we’ll recommend targeted upgrades.
Do I have to change to POE oil?
Many R22 replacements require POE for miscibility and oil return. We handle the flush or staged change and replace suspect seals.
How long will my system be offline?
Small systems: same day. Larger rooms/racks: staged to maintain temperature, often after hours.
Is CO₂ worth it?
Sometimes. For high-duty, multi-site retailers or where environmental targets matter, CO₂ can be a strong long-term play. We’ll give you a side-by-side TCO.
Ready to Get Back Online?
If your refrigeration has failed, don’t wait.
Call 1300 227 600 now or book urgent service online.
Book Emergency Repairs Now Learn More About Our Preventative Maintenance Plans
Related Services
- Emergency Commercial Fridge Repairs: Your Top Questions Answered
- Quick and Efficient Commercial Fridge and Freezer Seal Replacement for All Models
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