R22 Refrigerant Phase Out: What You Need to Know

In 2020, the United States government banned the production of R22 — a refrigerant found in many older air conditioning units and heat pumps. If your system uses R22, you probably have many questions about the phase-out and how to know if a replacement is necessary. In this guide, we will answer your questions about the phase-out and discuss what it means for you. 

What Is R22?

R22, or Freon, is a refrigerant that absorbs and releases heat to cool your home. It is most often used as a cooling agent in air conditioners, mini-splits and heat pumps. Older systems are more likely to use Freon.

What Is Happening to R22?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified R22 as an ozone-depleting substance (ODS). Ozone-depleting substances are being phased out as part of the U.S. Clean Air Act and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, which was first introduced in the 1990s. 

Chemicals in ozone-depleting substances like R22 eventually reach the stratosphere, where they deplete the stratospheric ozone layer. The ozone layer is a hot topic when discussing the climate crisis — it keeps us safe from harmful UV radiation. Holes in the ozone layer increase the earth’s temperature and leave people more exposed to the sun’s rays. Aside from protecting an estimated 45 million people from skin cancer, the Montreal Protocol will help protect plant life, crops and marine ecosystems. 

According to the EPA, R22 ozone depletion is dangerous for the climate and the environment. The R22 refrigerant phase-out began in 2020, when the United States government banned its production, citing the harmful effects it poses to the ozone layer and the environment. It is also illegal to import R22 into the U.S. Since 2020, only recovered, recycled or reclaimed supplies of R22 are available. 

How Does the Phase-Out Impact Me?

If your home currently uses R22 in its air conditioning system, you are free to continue using the system for the remainder of its life. If your air conditioner is less than 10 years old, it is likely safe to continue using it. Regardless, you will still want to make a plan for when its life is up. Emergency replacement of your AC unit or heat pump will be much more stressful than a well-planned replacement. 

However, many companies, including SMO Energy, will no longer replenish R22 in older systems that currently have a low supply. If your R22 levels are low, it might be time to invest in a new system altogether. 

What Are My Options?

The ban makes the price per pound of R22 increase substantially every year. Additionally, there are no “drop-in” replacements for R22 — your unit runs best using the refrigerant it was made to handle. You can “retrofit” your current unit, but these conversions may be costly or potentially damaging to your equipment. However, you still have some options if you are dealing with low R22 or an old unit. 

Some of the choices you might have include:

• Keeping your current unit: If your air conditioner is less than 10 years old and still runs well, you can likely continue using it for the time being. 
• Repairing your current unit: You could choose to repair your unit, but doing so could be extremely costly given the rising prices of R22. Prices are only likely to go up as supplies go down, meaning replacing your unit might be a better decision when you need extensive repairs. 
• Replacing your unit: You may want to replace your unit if it is more than 15 years old, requires an extensive repair, is low on R22 or is no longer meeting your heating or cooling needs.