What is R22 Refrigerant Used For? – Climate Change Facts

What is R22 refrigerant used for? In case you haven’t heard of it, it’s basically the refrigerant your AC is likely using right now, if it was installed around 2010. However, we’ve got some news for you: there’s an R22 refrigerant phase out coming up, which means that R22 refrigerant production will halt on 2020. This is mostly because of the new Freon law change for 2020, which seeks to halt global warming products and replace them with eco-friendlier R22 alternative refrigerants. You’ll have to replace most of your appliances and/or refrigerants by then, but in case you don’t know how much R22 you own, this article will help you find out.

What is R22 Refrigerant Used For?

There are many health benefits to air conditioning, but you should be cautioned about R22. This article hopes to illustrate on what is R22 refrigerant used for so you can locate the appliances that use them and get prepared for the massive R22 refrigerant phase out coming in 2020. We’ll also show you some R22 refrigerant alternatives you can start using today, in preparation for the R22 discontinuation.

What is R22 Refrigerant Used For
What is R22 Refrigerant Used For?

R22 refrigerant absorbs and removes heat from specific spaces, so you can find it among central AC systems, heat pumps, mini-splits, and other refrigeration systems. If your AC or any other of these appliances were installed before 2010, they’re likely still running on R22.

Why the R22 refrigerant phase out?

Although an effective heat absorbent, R22 is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and ozone depletion. Since the ozone layer might increase harmful UV radiation if it keeps getting depleted, R22, along with other ozone damaging chemicals, will be phased out in accordance with the U.S. Clean Air Act and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

It’s been decided that R22 will be completely phased out by January 1, 2020. It won’t be allowed in the U.S. after this date, and technicians will only be able to use recycled, reclaimed, or already produced R22 to service equipment.

What are some good R22 refrigerant alternatives?

R410A has become the best alternative to R22, and most of the recent manufactured AC and refrigeration systems are currently using it. Other options include R134A, R407C and R407A.

These refrigerants absorb heat as good as R22, albeit without the ozone depleting characteristics. As a matter of fact, although there’s no need to replace your R22 systems (yet), it’s better if you start saving for a new R410A system. Newer systems have R410A already installed on them, and can even increase the resale value of your home.


Can you still use R22 refrigerant?

Although production of R22 became forbidden around 2010, you can still use your current R22 equipment, and recycled R22 refrigerant will still be available to service existing air conditioners after 2020. However, R22 related services will become scarce, and consequently, pricey.

What is R22 Refrigerant Used For
What is R22 Refrigerant Used For?

Can you buy R22 after 2020?

No. It will become illegal in the United States once 2020 rolls in.

Do I have to replace my R22 air conditioner?

After January 2020, your R22 systems will no longer be repaired if your service company can’t get R22. That’s why, and as we said above, it’s better to start saving money for a new AC system, before your R22 stops working. Saving money on your AC bill is important. 

So, to summarize, what is R22 refrigerant used for? It’s one of the main components of every refrigeration system worldwide, particularly air conditioners. Although an excellent cooling substance, it’s not eco-friendly at all, so it was to be expected that the Freon law change in 2020 would demand for a R22 refrigerant phase out in 2020. Don’t get caught by surprise and start looking for R22 alternative refrigerants, before the prohibition leaves you with an outdated and harmful AC system. Start saving some money and get R410A compatible systems as soon as you can.