Yes, R-22 (Freon) is still available for servicing older HVAC and refrigeration units, but it can no longer be manufactured or imported in the U.S. Today, technicians rely entirely on recycled, reclaimed, and existing stockpiled supplies, which makes it very expensive.
As of May 2026, R-22 refrigerant (Freon) typically costs between $90 and $250+ per pound for a professional service recharge. A full 30-pound cylinder, if purchased independently, generally ranges from $500 to $600. Costs are high and rising due to the EPA phase-out of the chemical.
R22 refrigerant is illegal to import and manufacturer in the U.S. But it's not illegal for anyone to buy R22 freon. And it's not illegal to sell it IF you have a license. As long as the stocks last, you will be able to continue purchasing R22 from specialized dealers and form your air conditioning company.
Do I need a license to buy R22 refrigerant? Yes. Only EPA Section 608 certified technicians can legally purchase and handle R22.
Newly manufactured or imported R-22 is illegal in the U.S.. However, it is still legal to use, buy, and sell existing and reclaimed R-22 for servicing older systems. Because supplies are dwindling, finding it is difficult, and the cost can be extremely high.
A 30-pound cylinder of R-22 refrigerant is generally worth between $500 and $1,200 to purchase wholesale, and up to $2,400 to $4,500 if bought directly from a service company during a home repair.
Meaning the phase out of R22 has been planned for almost 30 years. So in summary, it's true, the EPA has mandated that no new “virgin” “HCFC 22” can be manufactured or imported after 2020 due to its effect on the environment.
The best replacement for R-22 depends on your system's configuration. Because R-22 is fully phased out, the most common drop-in substitutes are R-438A (MO99), R-407C, and RS-44b (R-453A). These allow for system retrofits, though complete system replacement is often recommended for aging units.
Yes, R-12 refrigerant is still legally available. While its manufacture was banned decades ago, you can still purchase existing and reclaimed supplies.
$139.00.
If you're interested in learning how to refill R22 in your air conditioner, it is important to know that this is not something a homeowner can do on their own. Due to complexity, safety concerns, training and licensing required we do not recommend doing this without having a trained professional onsite.
R-22 is extremely expensive because it has been legally phased out. Driven by federal environmental regulations, skyrocketing supply chain costs, and contractor labor rates, prices range from $100 to $300+ per pound, meaning a standard refill can cost between $800 and $2,000+.
Yes, you can buy R-22 refrigerant online. However, because the production and import of R-22 are banned in the U.S. and strictly limited to reclaimed and recycled supplies, it is extremely expensive and legally requires a valid EPA Section 608 certification to purchase.
Yes, R-22 is highly scarce and very expensive. Because production and importation were completely banned in 2020 due to environmental regulations, supply now relies entirely on recycled or stockpiled amounts.
Collectively, all of the emissions of R-22 since its creation have resulted in an “ozone hole” over the South Pole, according to the EPA. To protect the ozone layer and slow climate change, the EPA is phasing out all production of R-22 and other ozone-depleting substances — like HCFCs, CFCs, and Halons.
He said that a lot of people look to buy it and it could be well worth over $1000.
A2L refrigerants, the new refrigerants for 2026, will replace R-410A in new systems. A lot about A2L refrigerants is explained in their name: The “A” means low toxicity. The “2L” is a safety classification, indicating it is mildly flammable.
So carmakers were mandated to stop using R12 after the 1994 model year. One current replacement refrigerant is R134a - opens in new window or tab., which serves the same purpose as Freon but is less harmful to the environment. Freon is the well-known trademarked name for dichlorodifluoromethane gas.
Freon MO99 is the gold standard for R-22 alternatives and was developed by the same scientists who engineered Freon R-22. The benefits of Freon MO99 include: Capacity — The ability of Freon MO99 to heat or cool a given space is closer to Freon R-22 than any other refrigerant on the market.
A 1.5-ton air conditioning unit typically requires approximately 1.5 to 2 kilograms of refrigerant gas for optimal operation. However, the exact amount can vary based on the specific make and model of the unit.
No, the compressor will fail. These two refrigerants have very different properties. One of R22 and R134a is high pressure and the other is low pressure. They don't mix chemically and don't have the same boiling point, leading to inefficiencies and eventual compressor failure.
R-22 refrigerant typically costs between $𝟗𝟎 and $𝟐𝟓𝟎 per pound. Because R-22 has been phased out, the supply is dwindling, which causes prices to continuously climb.
Having a low inertia rotor system is no problem in powered flight if power is available and the governor and throttle is managed properly, however, it makes the R22 harder to fly in autorotation as you need faster reaction times where management of the rotor RPM is crucial.
R-22 (hydrochlorofluorocarbon-22) was the dominant refrigerant for decades because it was efficient, safe, and versatile, acting as the industry standard for residential and commercial AC systems from the 1950s onward. It was highly regarded for its excellent thermodynamic properties, relatively low cost, non-flammability, and low toxicity, making it ideal for widespread use.