R-22 Freon is a type of hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) or chemical refrigerant whose production and importation have been banned in the US since January 1, 2020. HCFCs, CFCs, and halons have long been used in air conditioning (AC) units. Units that utilize R-22 have been in production since about 2010. This means that if you have an older AC unit, there is a good chance it is loaded with R-22.
Why is R-22 Banned?
R-22 is a type of refrigerant that has been used in HVAC systems worldwide for many years. As a refrigerant, its role is to travel through the system, continuously absorbing heat from indoor spaces and releasing it along the way to help lower the home’s temperature. It goes through cycles of changing from low-pressure gas to high-pressure liquid. It can also be used for the same purpose in heat pumps.
Though it has been effective in its role, R-22 has now been banned since it was discovered to deplete the earth’s ozone layer. The ozone layer protects the earth from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UVB) rays. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), R-22 emissions have been found to have created an ozone hole over the South Pole, thus contributing to worldwide climate change.
To help end this climate damage and slow down the climate change impact, R-22 and other ozone-depleting chemicals are being stopped from production. Though there is no new production or importation of the chemical that is ongoing within the borders, there is some amount of it that is stockpiled from earlier production and more that is being reclaimed or recycled from other HVAC units.
Is Your Old AC No Good Now?
Even if you have an older AC that does rely on R-22, you can likely keep using it without a problem for now. Though R-22 is banned, the EPA allows the stockpiled amounts to be used in servicing ACs. You do not need to replace your AC unit as the refrigerant is still accessible.
However, these stockpiles will eventually dry up with time, so it will be difficult for even your HVAC technician to service your equipment properly. This stockpile will give you time to change your AC and choose an eco-friendly option. Even now, no more R-22-reliant HVAC systems are being manufactured, so whatever new model you buy will be a better option.
How Will You Know if Your AC Needs a Freon Refill?
To find out what kind of refrigerant your AC uses, you must check your owner’s manual. If you do not have the manual, you can check with the manufacturer or outlet where you bought the equipment. You will likely need to provide them with a receipt or the model number of your unit.
Another option would be to check the unit’s data plate. This plate is typically located on the outdoor unit of your system. It should indicate the refrigerant somewhere near the bottom. Alternatively, you can check with the technician who services your HVAC system, as they may have a record.
Are there other options that replace R-22? If so, how are those options better than R-22? Sadly, even though there are eco-friendlier refrigerants on the market, it is not always possible to substitute one for another. HVAC systems are designed to work with a specific refrigerant. While some systems can be retrofitted to accommodate a refrigerant change, the R-22 refrigerant system cannot. Any attempt to retrofit or substitute the refrigerant system would likely cause the whole system to malfunction.
Note that a retrofit will also likely void the manufacturer’s warranty. More so, if it changes the system’s safety certification, you will be using another refrigerant than what is indicated safe to use. The extent you would have to go through to do a retrofit, and the cost of doing so may also be more expensive than simply upgrading to a newer, eco-friendlier HVAC system.
What are Your Options?
The best option remains to run out the clock and allow your HVAC technician to use whatever remaining stockpiles or recycled R-22 he can access to service your equipment. However, with the stocks diminishing with time, the refrigerant cost will likely continue to rise. As soon as it is no longer economically feasible or practical to maintain your older unit, consider investing in an upgrade.
To help keep your existing HVAC system running efficiently and reliably, be sure to have it regularly serviced. Get in touch with our team at 32 Degrees to book a service appointment. We will let you know if your unit relies on R-22 Freon and how much it will cost to source the refrigerant. If you decide on an upgrade, we can help you find a suitable replacement and carry out the installation and other professional services you may need.
