R-22 Refrigerant Phase-Out
R-22 (Freon) production and import has been banned by the EPA since 2020. Here's what that actually means if your AC or heat pump still runs on it.
Quick answer
The EPA has banned all production and import of new R-22 nationwide since January 1, 2020. Since then, the only available R-22 is reclaimed from decommissioned systems, and that stockpile has shrunk to the point that we, like many contractors nationwide, often can't source R-22 at any price. That's why replacement, not recharge, is the realistic path for most R-22 systems today.
The R-22 Phase-Out Timeline
| When | What Happened |
|---|---|
| 2010 | The EPA banned production and import of R-22 for use in newly manufactured residential AC and heat pump equipment. |
| Jan. 1, 2020 | The EPA banned all production and import of virgin (new) R-22 in the U.S., for any purpose, including servicing existing systems. |
| Today | The reclaimed R-22 stockpile that's supplied the industry since 2020 has shrunk to the point of a genuine nationwide shortage. Many contractors, including us, often can't source R-22 at all, at any price. |
| 2030 | Final scheduled step in the Montreal Protocol's HCFC phase-out, covering the complete elimination of remaining HCFC production and import. |
Your Options If Your System Uses R-22
We'll Check What's Available
R-22 sourcing depends on the reclaimed market at that moment. We'll always check before telling you it's not an option, but going in, expect that we often can't get it at all.
Weigh Repair vs. Replace
Even setting sourcing aside, a major repair on an aging R-22 system often costs close to what a full system replacement would once refrigerant is factored in. We'll give you real numbers for both.
Replace With a Modern System
Newer systems run on R-410A, R-32, or R-454B, all still in active production with no sourcing problem, and are typically far more energy-efficient than an older R-22 unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to use an R-22 air conditioner or heat pump?+
No. Owning and using an existing R-22 system is legal. What's banned is producing or importing new (virgin) R-22, which has been prohibited since January 1, 2020. Servicing with reclaimed R-22 is legal too, the real-world problem is finding any to buy.
Can you still get R-22 to service my system?+
Sometimes, but increasingly often, no. The reclaimed R-22 market has shrunk to a genuine nationwide shortage, and we, like many contractors, frequently can't source it at any price. We'll always check before ruling it out, but plan on replacement being the realistic path.
How do I know if my system uses R-22?+
Systems installed before roughly 2010 typically use R-22. The data plate on your outdoor unit lists the refrigerant type, or we can confirm it for you during a service visit.
Why was R-22 phased out?+
R-22 is an HCFC (hydrochlorofluorocarbon) that depletes the ozone layer. Its phase-out falls under the Montreal Protocol and the Clean Air Act, a different regulatory track than the newer HFC phase-down affecting R-410A, which is about global warming potential rather than ozone depletion.
How much does it cost to recharge an R-22 system now?+
Reclaimed R-22 is significantly more expensive than it used to be, and pricing swings more than any other refrigerant on the market. Availability, not just price, is the real hurdle right now, and it's often simply not in stock anywhere. Call (817) 935-8540 and we'll tell you honestly what's actually possible for your system, and what it costs.
Should I repair or replace my R-22 system?+
It depends on the system's age, the specific repair needed, and whether R-22 is actually sourceable at that moment. We'll walk you through both real costs so you can make an informed call, not a pressured one.
Are there rebates for replacing an old R-22 system?+
Possibly. Utility, state, and federal programs periodically offer rebates or tax credits for upgrading to a modern, efficient system. See our rebates guide for what's currently available.
Related: All refrigerant types · HVAC cost guide · Rebates & tax credits
Still running an R-22 system?
Request a free estimate and we'll give you an honest repair-vs-replace comparison, no pressure either way.
Appointment windows reflect our best estimate and are not a guaranteed arrival time.