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.
The first Freon product was R-12, which was introduced as a non-toxic, non-flammable alternative to other refrigerants at the time (like ammonia). Eventually, R-12 was banned because it was made of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are destructive to the environment.
As Freon was phased out, new HVAC systems began using a refrigerant known as Puron® or R-410A, an HFC. More efficient and less harmful to the environment, R-410A has been in use since its introduction in 1996 and is found in most of today's modern HVAC systems.
Dichlorodifluoromethane (R-12 or CFC-12), the most commonly used Freon brand refrigerant prior to its ban in many countries in 1996 and total ban in 2010.
With the 2020 ban, no additional Freon could be produced or imported. The phased approach allowed for a gradual replacement of Freon. As aging air conditioners need to be replaced, newer units that use R-410A refrigerant (which does not deplete the ozone layer) are installed.
R-32 is another refrigerant gaining popularity as a replacement for Freon. It has a lower GWP than R-410A, making it a better choice for the environment. R-32 is also highly efficient, which means it can reduce energy consumption and help lower utility costs.
New EPA Refrigerant Regulations 2025
In 2025, the goal is to eliminate all refrigerants with a high Global Warming Potential. In practice, this means that all new AC units must use refrigerants with a GWP rating of 750 or less.
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-454B is the newest refrigerant, which will gradually replace R-410A, the refrigerant used in current HVAC manufacturing. R-454B is a blend of R-32, a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), and R-1234yf a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO).
Tradewater is the only climate-focused refrigerant buyback program in the world. Get paid to fight climate change by selling your old refrigerants, like Freon, to our EPA-certified technicians.
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.
While we still service HVAC equipment using Freon, most residential HVAC units are now using Puron® or R-410A, a type of hydrocarbon refrigerant without the chlorine. The reason for the switch was to reduce the impact that the gasses have on the ozone layer and the environment.
As mentioned earlier, Freon costs about $125 – $150 per pound. Most homeowners will pay in the range of $200 to $400 for a refill, depending on the type and size of their HVAC unit.
Regulatory bodies don't have many laws regarding the application of CO2 gas, so homeowners won't have to worry about the legality of acquiring it. They'll be able to call up their local HVAC professional and have them recharge their AC unit with a safe gas.
Why Is Freon Banned? If Freon sounded like the perfect compound, it was. That is until scientists learned more about its effect on the atmosphere. Freon is relatively nontoxic, but as a chlorofluorocarbon, or CFC, it is a chemical that depletes the ozone layer.
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.
Why Did The U.S Ban R22 Refrigerant? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has banned R22 freon in the country. Why? R22 contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer – which absorbs the ultraviolet radiation from the sun and protects us from its harmful effects – and the ecosystem in general.
Puron Advance is Carrier's new refrigerant that will replace Puron in all residential ducted, ductless, and light commercial products.
Luckily, many modern AC systems manufactured since 2010 no longer use Freon. Most newer systems use Puron, another refrigerant, but one that is less harmful to the ozone layer. Since 2015, Puron has replaced Freon as the staple refrigerant for residential AC units.
R-22 Freon is not even available for purchase unless you're an EPA-licensed technician. So, you can't buy Freon from Home Depot for your HVAC needs. The good news is that you can still get it, though.
While popular in air conditioners produced before 1996, Freon has since been mostly phased out of use. Freon contains ozone-depleting CFCs, making it an environmental hazard. In 2010, the EPA passed the Clean Air Act, outlawing its use in new devices.
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.
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.
Freon is banned as of January 1, 2020.
Starting in 2025, the HVAC industry will shift toward using refrigerants with a lower GWP. Among the most discussed replacements are R-32 and R-454B. These refrigerants perform similarly to traditional refrigerants like R-410A but with a significantly lower environmental impact.