AC Tips
R-22 Phaseout: What It Means for Your Air Conditioner
May 12, 2021•6 min read
If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there's a good chance it uses R-22 refrigerant (commonly called Freon). Production of R-22 ended in 2020, creating challenges for owners of older systems.
Why R-22 Was Phased Out
R-22 is an HCFC (hydrochlorofluorocarbon) that damages the ozone layer. Under the Montreal Protocol, the US phased out R-22 production:
- 2010: No new R-22 systems could be manufactured
- 2020: All R-22 production ended
- Now: Only recycled R-22 is available
R-22 is an HCFC (hydrochlorofluorocarbon) that damages the ozone layer. Under the Montreal Protocol, the US phased out R-22 production:
- 2010: No new R-22 systems could be manufactured
- 2020: All R-22 production ended
- Now: Only recycled R-22 is available
What This Means for You
If your AC uses R-22:
- Repairs requiring refrigerant are increasingly expensive
- R-22 prices have risen 300-500% in recent years
- Supply will continue shrinking
- Some technicians no longer stock R-22
If your AC uses R-22:
- Repairs requiring refrigerant are increasingly expensive
- R-22 prices have risen 300-500% in recent years
- Supply will continue shrinking
- Some technicians no longer stock R-22
Your Options
Option 1: Keep Repairing (Short-term)
- Works if system is otherwise healthy
- Expect high R-22 costs for any leak repairs
- Not recommended if system is over 15 years old
- Just buying time
Option 2: Drop-In Refrigerant (Possible)
- Some alternative refrigerants work in R-22 systems
- Requires full system evacuation and oil change
- Not all systems are compatible
- May void remaining warranty
- Not always recommended by manufacturers
Option 3: Replace the System (Recommended)
- New systems use R-410A (no phaseout)
- Much more efficient (lower energy bills)
- Reliable for 15-20 years
- Eligible for rebates and tax credits
- See our replacement guide
Option 1: Keep Repairing (Short-term)
- Works if system is otherwise healthy
- Expect high R-22 costs for any leak repairs
- Not recommended if system is over 15 years old
- Just buying time
Option 2: Drop-In Refrigerant (Possible)
- Some alternative refrigerants work in R-22 systems
- Requires full system evacuation and oil change
- Not all systems are compatible
- May void remaining warranty
- Not always recommended by manufacturers
Option 3: Replace the System (Recommended)
- New systems use R-410A (no phaseout)
- Much more efficient (lower energy bills)
- Reliable for 15-20 years
- Eligible for rebates and tax credits
- See our replacement guide
How to Check Your Refrigerant Type
Look for a label on your outdoor unit that lists the refrigerant type. It will say R-22, HCFC-22, or Freon 22 for older systems, or R-410A, Puron, or similar for newer ones.
Look for a label on your outdoor unit that lists the refrigerant type. It will say R-22, HCFC-22, or Freon 22 for older systems, or R-410A, Puron, or similar for newer ones.
Why New Systems Are Better
Beyond refrigerant issues, new systems offer:
- 25-50% better efficiency (see our SEER guide)
- Quieter operation
- Better humidity control
- Smart thermostat compatibility
- Warranty protection
Beyond refrigerant issues, new systems offer:
- 25-50% better efficiency (see our SEER guide)
- Quieter operation
- Better humidity control
- Smart thermostat compatibility
- Warranty protection
The Bottom Line
If your R-22 system needs major repair (especially a leak), replacement usually makes more sense than paying high refrigerant costs for aging equipment. Contact us for a free replacement estimate.
If your R-22 system needs major repair (especially a leak), replacement usually makes more sense than paying high refrigerant costs for aging equipment. Contact us for a free replacement estimate.