Can I still get R-22 refrigerant? R-22 is no longer produced or imported into the United States, but it still exists inside some older HVAC units.
And unlike similar phased-out products in the past, it may actually become impossible to find. If you use a commercial cooling or refrigeration system in your business, it's important to understand the R-22 phase-out enacted by the Environmental Protection Agency and what it means for you.
Yes, production of R22 was banned years ago. But existing stocks of R22 are available and can still be legally sold and used. Some hvac companies recover R22 from old systems they're replacing and save it to use in other units.
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.
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.
R-22 refrigerant prices range from $90 to $250 per pound. Since you'll need between 6 and 12 pounds to refill a home AC, costs can reach between $660 and $2,400 for a refill of R-22 refrigerant. U.S.
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.
Since R410A refrigerant is charged under higher pressure, charging an R22 system with it will increase the force within the coolant lines. The pressure can become high enough for parts of the system to rupture. At the very least, leaks will occur. Mixing refrigerants is not an option either.
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.
For many years, R-22 has been the most widely-used refrigerant; however, it's an ozone-depleting substance. Due to the negative effects of R-22 on the environment, U.S. consumers and retailers are no longer allowed to produce, import or sell R-22 refrigerant after it was banned about two years ago.
FluoroFusion is an EPA-Certified and American-owned reclaimer of refrigerants. We work with companies to offset the negative environmental impacts of R-22 refrigerant with our industry-leading Refrigerant Buyback program.
Vapors are heavier than air and can cause suffocation by reducing oxygen available for breathing. Misuse or intentional inhalation abuse may cause death without warning symptoms, due to cardi- ac effects. Rapid evaporation of the product may cause frostbite.
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.
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.
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.
If your current AC system is more than ten years old and uses R-22 refrigerant, it's probably time to start shopping for a replacement. Even if your system is still working, it isn't as energy efficient as newer models on the market.
Why is R-22 refrigerant so expensive? R-22 refrigerant is so expensive because there's such a limited supply of it left. You see, R-22 is an “ozone-depleting substance” and is extremely harmful to the environment.
An R-22 Refrigerant Replacement for Direct Expansion Refrigeration. Freon™ MO29 (R-422D) refrigerant is a low-toxicity, non-ozone depleting hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) replacement for R-22.
Putting R-410A refrigerant into an AC unit that was designed to use R-22 will cause the unit to die soon after it tries to run. Now to be fair, you could technically “retrofit” an R-22 unit to accommodate R-410A refrigerant but that would include: Replacing the condenser, compressor, evaporator and refrigerant lines.
Understanding the Current HVAC Refrigerant Guidelines
Most HVAC brands have started to swap out their older AC and heat pump units over the year, preparing for the 2025 deadline, when they will have to completely stop the production of systems with R-410A.
A bigger condenser ensures a greater heat exchange surface – aiding in rapid cooling, reduced strain on the mechanical components, and enhanced dehumidification - all of which translate into prompt and efficient cooling for our comfort.
As of Jan 1 2020, R22 refrigerant has been completely phased out worldwide due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer. It is no longer being produced. 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.
An AC leak will lead to warmer air from your vents over time. In most cases this can be fixed with a proven stop leak additive to seal up any leaks. When it's time for an AC recharge, turn to AutoZone.
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.