Is Freon R22 banned?

Author: Carlotta Denesik  |  Last update: Monday, February 16, 2026

In 2010, the U.S. stopped the sale of newly manufactured residential air conditioning units and heat pumps that use R-22 because of its particularly harmful impact on the ozone layer when released into the air. On January 1, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the production and import of R-22.

Is R-22 refrigerant still legal?

As of January 1, 2020, production and import of R22 refrigerant will be illegal in the United States. Of course, continued use of your air conditioner (AC) or heat pump system using R22 refrigerant is allowed.

Why is R-22 banned?

Because R-22 depletes the ozone layer, production and import was further limited in 2010. In 2020, R-22 will no longer be produced or imported. After 2020, only recovered, recycled, or reclaimed supplies of R-22 will be available. The production (not use) of R-22 is being phased out.

Can you flush R-22 to R-410A?

When you replace an air conditioner or heat pump and upgrade from R-22 to R-410A, the ideal solution is to replace your refrigerant lines. This is because the mineral oil used in R-22 systems is not compatible with the new R-410A refrigerant and oil.

Can you still use R-22 gas?

Since 1st January 2015 it have been illegal to use R22 to main or repair your air conditioning. While you can still use your air conditioning, the legislation means you can't use additional R22 Gas to maintain or repair your system. This means if you have any problems then you might be in need of new system or unit.

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Can I still buy R22 refrigerant?

In 2010, the U.S. stopped the sale of newly manufactured residential air conditioning units and heat pumps that use R-22 because of its particularly harmful impact on the ozone layer when released into the air. On January 1, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the production and import of R-22.

What happens if you put R-410A in a R22 system?

The pressure can become high enough for parts of the system to rupture. At the very least, leaks will occur.

Can I convert my R-22 to R-410A?

You cannot just switch refrigerants because R410-A and R-22 have different chemical properties. R410-A operates at a higher pressure. If you put R410-A into an R-22 system, the parts will rupture due to the increased force.

What refrigerant is drop-in replacement for R-22?

The information below will try to dispel some of these myths. Arkema recommends using Forane® 427A (R427A) - The EASY RETROFIT™ for your r-22 retrofit solution. When it comes to drop-ins, the truth is that there are none. The hope of “drop-in” refrigerants has become common over the years.

Will R-410A be phased out?

The impending phaseout of R-410A, a widely used refrigerant in HVAC systems, marks a huge shift for homeowners and the HVAC industry. Set to take effect on December 31, 2024, this change is driven by global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and comply with environmental regulations.

How much is a bottle of R-22?

R-22 refrigerant costs $125 per pound on average, but can range from $50 to $250 per pound. Keep in mind you cannot purchase R-22 refrigerant without an HVAC pro.

What is the best replacement for R-22 refrigerant?

Freon MO99 is the closest capacity match to R-22 compared with most other no-oil change refrigerants. What does this mean to my residents? Choosing an energy-efficient blend with a mass flow rate within 10 to 15% of R-22 helps reduce energy costs and shorten the system's downtime.

Can you still get Freon for home AC?

The long phasing-out process came to its conclusion on January 1, 2020. All Freon production is now banned in the United States, and it's also illegal to import the product into the country. If you purchased your AC unit after 2015, you do not need to worry about Freon.

How many pounds of R22 are in a 3 ton unit?

A three-ton air conditioner would typically have six to 12 pounds of refrigerant for a proper charge. During the installation of a central air conditioning system, technicians carefully measure the refrigerant level and test the system.

How long will R22 be available?

In 1987 an agreement called the Montreal Protocol was signed to begin the worldwide phase out of ozone-depleting CFCs and in 1992 HCFCs were added. In 2010, manufacturers were no longer able to produce new equipment designed with R22 and at the end of 2020, production and import of R22 will be eliminated.

What refrigerant is now illegal?

R-22 (Chlorodifluoromethane), also known as R22 Freon or HCFC-22 Freon, was a common refrigerant for HVAC systems. It is now a banned refrigerant that is illegal to import or manufacture.

Is there a refrigerant you can mix with R-22?

So… what refrigerant can be mixed with R-22? None. You can't mix refrigerants.

What is the new refrigerant 2025?

What refrigerant will replace R-410A in 2025? For whole-home systems, Lennox has chosen 2025 Compliant Refrigerant R-454B due to its excellent performance for ducted systems and zero ozone depletion potential. For mini-splits, we selected R-32, designed to optimize efficiency and reliability in ductless systems.

Can you still recharge R-22?

If you have an older air conditioning system that is low on refrigerant, recharging it is not a simple process. Because there is no more production of R22 and it is illegal to import, you will need to speak with a professional about how to refill an R22 air conditioner.

How much does it cost to upgrade from R-22 to R-410A?

How much will an R-22 to R-410A conversion cost? The actual cost will depend on many things, including where you live, but most of the time R-22 conversions start at around $2,000 and go up from there. The higher end of that range is somewhere around $4,500 to $4,600.

Can I use R32 instead of R-410A?

R32 is not suitable as a drop-in replacement for R410A and must only be used in systems specifically designed for R32.

Can you mix R-22 and new 22?

Mixing refrigerants is not recommended. R-22 replacements should not be used to top off R-22 systems. R-22 should be recovered using appropriate equipment and managed according to U.S. EPA guidelines specified in Section 608 of the U.S. Clean Air Act.

How much does R-410A cost?

R-410 refrigerant costs $60 per pound on average, but can range from $40 to $75. Keep in mind you cannot purchase R-410A refrigerant without an HVAC pro. As of mid-2024, R-410A refrigerant prices range from $40 to $75 per pound.

Is R-410A refrigerant illegal?

The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, continually strives to create a more sustainable planet, and one of its latest proposals drives that goal forward. In December 2022, the EPA unveiled a refrigerant ban that will go into effect between 2025 and 2026 (depending on the industry).

What can I use instead of R-22?

Freon™ MO99 refrigerant is a relatively affordable and eco-friendly alternative for R22 air conditioners. You can use it to revive older systems with little to no refrigerant charge, as well as systems that need replacement components.

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