The most famous refrigerant completely banned from new production is R-22 (often called Freon or HCFC-22). It is no longer manufactured or imported in the United States because it harms the ozone layer.
On January 1, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the production and import of R-22. But units manufactured in 2009 and earlier still use R-22 today. Its use will eventually be eliminated in the U.S., so all current and future homeowners must be prepared for the transition.
January 1, 2025: Manufacturers stopped producing new R-410A residential split systems and heat pumps. Equipment manufactured before this date can still be sold and installed. January 1, 2026: The original deadline for installing R-410A split systems manufactured before 2025.
As of January 1, 2020, the United States banned the use of the R22 refrigerant, commonly known as Freon.
Yes, you can still buy R-410A equipment. While the production and import of new R-410A systems were banned at the manufacturer level starting January 1, 2025, retailers and contractors are still legally permitted to sell and install existing overstock manufactured before the cutoff date.
Expect to pay between $𝟓𝟎 and $𝟏𝟎𝟎 per pound to have R-410A refrigerant recharged by a licensed HVAC technician. The exact cost depends on your location and the service provider, as the price covers the refrigerant, leak checks, technician labor, and equipment overhead.
No, brand-new HVAC systems utilizing R-410A are not coming back. The production of new R-410A equipment was federally discontinued, and the industry has permanently shifted to newer, low-global-warming-potential A2L refrigerants like R-32 and R-454B.
Without air conditioning or traditional power grids, the Amish stay cool using time-tested, natural methods. They rely heavily on strategic architectural design, natural ventilation, modified routines, and manual cooling techniques to survive the summer heat.
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.
Short answer: Yes. Eligible R410A systems manufactured before January 1, 2025, can still be installed in 2026 under the Technology Transitions Rule issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. There is no nationwide ban on the installation of compliant R410A equipment.
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.
No, you cannot replace R-410A with R-454B in an existing HVAC system. They are not interchangeable. Attempting to use R-454B in equipment designed for R-410A creates major safety and reliability problems.
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.
Never mix refrigerants, or "top off" a system running on R-22 with a 400-Series blend. Once the R-22 is removed and the new refrigerant is charged into the unit, the system can be topped off with the new refrigerant. Never liquid charge into the low side, though.
Yes, R-12 refrigerant is still legally available. While its manufacture was banned decades ago, you can still purchase existing and reclaimed supplies.
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, R-22 (chlorodifluoromethane) is significantly heavier than air.
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.
Many traditional Old Order Amish communities view store-bought toilet paper as an unnecessary indulgence or luxury. Instead, they rely on readily available, sustainable alternatives like crumpled-up old newspapers, mail-order catalogs, corn cobs, and cloth rags, though more progressive groups now commonly use conventional toilet paper.
To say "hi" in Amish (Pennsylvania Dutch), simply say "guder daag" (pronounced goo-der dahg). It translates literally to "good day" and is the most common and appropriate way to greet someone at any time.
Yes, Amish people bathe regularly, though the frequency and methods vary significantly depending on the season, how physically active they are, and the strictness of their specific church district.
The top three air conditioning brands for reliability and premium performance in the US are Carrier, Trane, and Lennox.
RS-53 (R470A) is a new non-flammable Drop-in replacement for R410A with a low Global Warming Potential (GWP) less than half that of R410A. RS-53 (R470A) has a similar thermodynamic performance to R410A with matching energy efficiency and cooling capacity.
Yes, you can still buy R-410A equipment. While the production and import of new R-410A systems were banned at the manufacturer level starting January 1, 2025, retailers and contractors are still legally permitted to sell and install existing overstock manufactured before the cutoff date.