R22 is marketed under a variety of brand names, many of which sound like supervillain science projects, such as Genetron 22 and Arcton 4. It will be most familiar to customers under the name Freon
Freon
Freon is a registered trademark of The Chemours Company, which it uses for a number of halocarbon products. They are stable, nonflammable, moderately toxic gases or liquids which have typically been used as refrigerants and as aerosol propellants.
DuPont
DuPont de Nemours, Inc., commonly known as DuPont, is an American company formed by the merger of Dow Chemical and DuPont on August 31, 2017, and then subsequent spinoffs of Dow Inc. and Corteva. Prior to the spinoffs it was the world's largest chemical company in terms of sal…
Why is r22 Freon so expensive?
R-22 refrigerant is so expensive because there’s such a limited supply of it left. Because it’s so dangerous, countries around the world have been slowly phasing out this refrigerant since 2010. According to the EPA, all sale/production/import of R-22 will end completely in 2020.
How much is r22 Freon per pound?
“Freon” is a commonly known brand of refrigerant, though it is not a descriptive or generic term. Companies have quoted prices ranging from $35 to $175 per pound for R-22. Is 2 pounds of Freon a lot? As for how much Freon is in each unit that could be lost due to damage, the general rule of thumb is 2 1/2 pounds of refrigerant per ton of cooling.
What is r22 and how does it affect you?
R22 is used extensively in air-conditioning units and HVAC systems. R22 has a negative impact on ozone in the atmosphere and is being phased out by order of the Federal Government. The government declared that all new air-conditioners would be R22 free by 2010.
What is r22 and why is it phasing out?
R22 was a commonly used refrigerant that is being phased out because of its harmful impact on the ozone layer. If your HVAC system uses R22, don’t panic -- you can still use and maintain your system as normal. But, when it’s time for your system to be replaced, you’ll need to upgrade to a more environmentally-friendly alternative.
What is the best refrigerant for R22?
What is R22 in the air conditioner?
What if my air conditioner or heat pump still uses R22?
What is the price of R22?
How much refrigerant does a central air conditioner need?
What is R22 in HVAC?
How does R22 affect the environment?
See 4 more
About this website
What Freon is a replacement for R22?
The best replacement for R-22 Freon is usually R-407c. It has a very low loss in capacity (0 – 5%) relative to R-22 and is less expensive than many other R-22 replacement refrigerants. If a system has R22 in it already you cannot use a replacement refrigerant to simply add to the R22.
Is R22 freon still available?
Is R22 refrigerant still available? R22 is no longer produced or imported into the United States, but it still exists inside some older HVAC units. If your unit uses R22 and runs out, HVAC technicians may still have access to the existing recycled or recovered R22 supply and can service your unit as normal.
What is the difference between Freon R22 and R410A?
R-22 air conditioners use mineral oil and R-410A systems use synthetic oil. The synthetic oil is generally more soluble with R-410A than mineral oil is with R-22. This means the R-410A system operates more efficiently reducing wear and tear on the compressor.
Is R22 still available 2022?
R22 Freon Update For 2022 R22 Freon is still available in April 2022. But, it's very expensive and now costs up to $1,300 for a 25-pound jug wholesale. That's up from $595 per jug in April 2021 and then $910 in August 2021. And, consider that most central air systems require an average of five pounds to recharge.
How much is a pound of R22 freon?
R22 Freon costs $90 to $150 per pound installed or $13 to $21 per pound wholesale. R22 refrigerant is the old standard for residential air conditioners, which is now banned and no longer produced. Older AC units can still be refilled, but R22 prices are rising as the supply decreases.
What would happens if you put R-22 in a 410A system?
If you use R-22 in the same system as R-410a, the compressor is going to be trying to work two different fluids through the same coils as both refrigerants respond differently to different mechanical situations. As you might imagine, this isn't going to go well for your air conditioner or heat pump.
Is 410A Freon compatible with R-22?
No, you cannot. To make a short story long, R410A and R22 are refrigerants. They are both good refrigerants and they both work, but they have to be charged in the system at different pressures. R410A is a higher pressure system and R22 is a lower pressure system.
How do I know if my AC is 410A or R-22?
To know which type of refrigerant your air conditioner uses, take a look at the label on the compressor unit outside. It'll clearly tell you which type of refrigerant the unit uses. The newer type is R-410A, and the older type that I've been talking about is R-22, also identified as HCFC-22.
How much does R-22 cost per pound in 2022?
Your HVAC specialist can snag R-22 freon for $20 to $50 per pound wholesale. However, when you call on a repair team to replace it, expect your bill to run from $90 to $150 per pound.
Can you still use R-22 after 2020?
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. You are not required to stop using R-22 air conditioners nor to replace existing equipment.
How long will R22 freon be available?
The U.S. government has placed restrictions on R22 and has issued the requirement that R22 refrigerant must be eliminated from use in cooling systems by the year 2020. At this point, R22 will no longer be manufactured and cannot be used as a refrigerant in new air conditioning systems.
Can you still get Freon for home air conditioner?
Beginning in 2020, Freon will no longer be produced or imported, but limited amounts will still be available. Older systems can be serviced or recharged with refrigerant using stocks of HCFC-22 until the 2020 date. After that, technicians will need to source recycled Freon to keep an old cooling system running.
What You Need to Know About R-22
©2018 Ingersoll Rand REFR-SLB002-EN June 12, 2018 We are committed to using environmentally conscious print practices. ingersollrand.com
What is R22 and How Does It Affect You? | The 2020 R22 Ban - Home Climates
So how does a decades-old EPA agreement impact you? If your A/C unit is more than 10 years old, chances are that it’s using R22. Because the ban prohibits the production of R22 replacement for these units, this latest step in the R22 phaseout means it’s going to become much more difficult — and expensive — to have repairs done on older units.
What is R22 refrigerant?
R22 refrigerant also called Freon was the most commonly used refrigerant in buildings around the world for many years. Because of its effect on the ozone layer, many governments including the U.S. have begun to require that it be phased out of production.
When was R22 refrigerant needed?
Between 2010 and 2020, the production of the coolant slowed and a R22 refrigerant replacement was needed. There are three viable options for an R22 substitute:
Why is R22 banned?
The danger the chemical poses to the handler and the environment helps explain why R22 was restricted from use. While the substance is now phased out of production, those with systems that rely on Freon 22 face a problem.
What refrigerant does an AC unit use?
Many AC units that were manufactured before 2010 use R22 as a refrigerant, but you can check to be sure. There are three ways to verify if your HVAC uses Freon 22:
What is the purpose of refrigerant in HVAC?
Refrigerant is a chemical compound that creates the cooling and heating process in your HVAC system. The coolant can take a liquid or gaseous state. It is responsible for absorbing heat and carrying it to the HVAC evaporator coil where the heat energy is released. The air is cooled and returned to your home to lower the indoor temperature.
What refrigerant is used in HVAC?
For homeowners with HVAC units that were built prior to 2010, it’s likely that the equipment relies on R22 for the cooling process. Because R22 refrigerant costs continue to rise, HVAC repairs that require this type of coolant are more expensive than years prior. Here’s what you need to know about units that rely on this restricted refrigerant.
Is R22 a bad refrigerant?
R22 refrigerant isn’t a danger to your family or home when it is enclosed in your HVAC system and working properly. However, if the system experiences a leak, the refrigerant is not only harmful, but will also be extremely costly to replace.
What is R22 Refrigerant?
R22 refrigerant is a colorless gas known chemically as hydrochlorofluorocarbon 22 (HCFC-22) and is one of several refrigerants that goes by the brand name “Freon.” It's used in a wide variety of applications, including central HVAC, commercial refrigeration equipment and automotive AC systems.
What is the R22 rating?
It’s used in a wide variety of applications, including central HVAC, commercial refrigeration equipment and automotive AC systems. R22 has an 1,810, (GWP) rating, which measures how much heat a greenhouse gas is trapped within the atmosphere versus the amount of heat that’s trapped by carbon dioxide (CO2). In this instance, R22 has almost 2,000 ...
What is the best refrigerant for a refrigerator?
As more equipment gets retrofitted or replaced, you need to know which new refrigerants are alternatives for R22. Below are some of the popular ones on the market: 1 R404A – A non-ozone depleting hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant blend used in many commercial refrigerators, freezers, ice machines and other cold-side equipment. 2 R410A – A non-ozone depleting HFC refrigerant blend used in many central air conditioners and HVAC solutions. According to the EPA, it's “the most common alternative” to R22 for air conditioners. 3 R407C – A non-azeotropic, non-ozone depleting refrigerant blend made of R32, R-25 and R134a refrigerants. It's used in both air conditioners and chiller equipment. 4 R422D – A non-ozone depleting HFC refrigerant blend used in both air conditioning systems and refrigeration equipment.
When was R22 banned?
As of January 1, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the production or importing of R22 refrigerant.
What is R410A?
R410A – A non-ozone depleting HFC refrigerant blend used in many central air conditioners and HVAC solutions. According to the EPA, it's “the most common alternative” to R22 for air conditioners.
What is R22 in air conditioning?
R22, a common form of the HCFC-22 chemical, is a refrigerant used for cooling air in air conditioning system. A refrigerant is a substance used in a heat cycle that undergoes a phase change between gas and liquid to allow the cooling in an AC. R22 is just one of the many refrigerant choices available out there. Without a refrigerant, an AC won’t be able to cool your home. A refrigerant may also be responsible for heating the air where there’s a heat pump system. R 22 refrigerant has been an important component of air conditioners in homes and offices for years. Now, it’s prohibited in the U.S.
Why The U.S Banned R22 Refrigerant?
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. R22 leaks are highly toxic and can damage the environment, specifically, through causing ozone depletion.
What is a R410A?
For residential HVAC system, R410A is the R22 replacement.
When did the US stop selling R22 coolant?
In 2010, the U.S. stopped the sale of new air conditioning units that use R22. That means, new air conditioner in US manufactured after 2010 does not use R22 coolant.
Is an air conditioner a closed loop system?
An air conditioner is a closed loop. Refrigerant cycles through this closed loop system. So, no new refrigerant is needed unless there’s a refrigerant leak. This is because it isn’t gas that can be used up in a car. However, possible signs that your HVAC system could be low on refrigerant include the following:
Is it expensive to fix a R22?
Depending on where the leak is, fixing your older unit could be very costly. Again, R22 becomes very expensive due to the freon ban. There could also be multiple leaks in your R 22 system. New unit could achieve higher energy efficiency and be eligible for federal tax credit. But then, you’re free to choose from any of these two alternatives. So, it makes sense to get professional help in a situation like this. Contact SuperTech, your trusted HVAC company, or schedule online today for a solution.
Is R22 Freon Still Available?
Yes, recovered or recycled R22 is still available to purchase. However, the cost is getting higher and higher as the supply is diminishing.
How Do You Know if Your Air Conditioner Uses R22?
If your air conditioner was installed between 2010 and 2019 it’s okay because it likely uses the coolant R410a (Puron), which manufacturers began to phase-in more than fifteen years ago.
What is the phone number for R22 air conditioning?
If you have questions about the R22 phase out or the repair or replacement of R22 air conditioning units —or if you’re ready to install new central air conditioning in your home—call us at (615) 469-5965. We provide HVAC services for the Metro Davidson County area and the majority of Middle Tennessee.
Why are R22 and R142b being phased out?
As you may know, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been phasing out hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants like R22 and R142b in order to help protect the ozone layer, which shields the Earth from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation.
What is R410A?
like R410a, which the EPA describes as “a non-ozone-depleting HFC refrigerant blend”—one that is manufactured and sold under a variety of brand names, including 410A and Puron.
When will R22 be phased out?
When Will R22 Freon be Phased Out? January 1, 2020, is the last benchmark specifically related to R22 and R142b. There is one more date to remember concerning the EPA’s phase out of HCFC’s. A ban on the remaining production and import of all HCFC’s will go into effect on January 1, 2030.
Is R410A coolant safe?
Never mind the fact that a new unit that uses R410a as coolant will also be better for the environment , as R410a has an ozone depletion rating of zero. Better yet, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) have given R410a a rating of A1 for safety, yet another consideration.
Can you recharge an HVAC system with R22?
1. You can still recharge your HVAC system using R22 but it will be expensive.
A No-Oil-Change R-22 AC Replacement Refrigerant
Industries, commercial businesses, property owners, and others looking for an R-22 replacement to maintain their air conditioning (AC) systems can turn to Freon™ NU-22B™ refrigerant.
Features and Benefits
Freon™ NU-22B™ has an ASHRAE A1 classification and is non-ozone depleting and nonflammable. It is well-suited for AC applications because it closely mimics the operating characteristics of R-22 and works over the same operating pressures as R-22.
When did the R12 switch to R22?
The government and industry officials had learned from a similar switch of R12 to R22 in 1995. During that switch, the government did not do a phase-out and the price of R12 did shoot astronomically higher. The government learned from their mistakes and made this most recent phaseout gradual. So far it is working.
Can contractors sell R22?
Contractors are also encouraged to recover the refrigerant from older systems. Many of the local parts houses are actually offering us money to sell old R22 back to them so that they can “reclaim” it and sell it back to us as new refrigerants.
Is R22 Still Available?
That timeline ended on January 1st, 2020 and now R22 can no longer be manufactured in the United States, now can we import it from other countries.
Does that mean that I will not be able to make repairs to my older R22 system?
It does not mean that. Not only are most of the parts in your older system not affected by the ban on the import or manufacture of R22 (we can get parts for 30-year-old equipment), but it is still R22 available. The vendors stocked up on R22 prior to the ban going into effect so there are still considerable amounts of R22 available with them. Contractors are also encouraged to recover the refrigerant from older systems. Many of the local parts houses are actually offering us money to sell old R22 back to them so that they can “reclaim” it and sell it back to us as new refrigerants.
Is the cost of R22 going to skyrocket due to the bans?
This is a scenario the government actively tried to avoid. The concern over possible skyrocketing costs of R22 was the main reason behind the government-mandated gradual phaseout. The government and industry officials had learned from a similar switch of R12 to R22 in 1995. During that switch, the government did not do a phase-out and the price of R12 did shoot astronomically higher. The government learned from their mistakes and made this most recent phaseout gradual. So far it is working. We have not seen wide fluctuations in the cost of R22. To this point, we have not increased our pricing from two years ago due to the stable cost of the refrigerant. Having said that, no one can completely control the market, and pricing can swing dramatically and as it did during the beginning of the phase-out in 2013. We believe most of that was due to speculation of what was coming that didn’t end up turning into reality as the years progressed.
Is there a difference between virgin and reclaimed refrigerant?
According to one of the largest manufacturers of all refrigerants, there is no difference between virgin refrigerant and reclaimed refrigerant .
Is reclaimed refrigerant as good as new or “virgin” refrigerant?
The companies doing the reclaiming must clean the refrigerant to a point that exceeds ARI-700 purity standards. This standard is the exact same standard that new refrigerant must meet before it can be sold. This process ensures that there are no remaining contaminants in the reclaimed refrigerant. According to one of the largest manufacturers of all refrigerants, there is no difference between virgin refrigerant and reclaimed refrigerant.
How much is a R22A?
The appeal of R-22a is the price. I did a quick Google search and found some R22a being sold on E-bay for $119.00 a jug. Now that’s quite the difference compared to the $295-$330 a jug you would pay for a cylinder of R22. E-Bay shows you how many have been recently sold and I can see by glancing at it that there were fifty five units sold in recent weeks. This is disheartening as the consumer is not only purchasing the wrong refrigerant but they are also putting themselves in harms way. In case you were wondering, propane has a high flammability rate. Especially if it is being used in an improper application. It’s a recipe for disaster, especially for a laymen.
What is a R-22A?
Now, it’s called R-22a, but what it really is R-290 … or propane. You know, the stuff you use on your grill to light the FIRE for your burgers. Now propane as a refrigerant isn’t a new idea, in fact it’s being used in various applications outside of the United States. The Problem being these old units that take R-22 are not being retro-fitted ...
What happens if the EPA doesn't approve alternative refrigerant?
If the EPA has not approved the alternative refrigerant through their SNAP program then a company who sells that product is in violation of the Federal Clean Air Act. (Trust me, you don’t want to do that!) The EPA has been going after violators that are selling R-22a over the past couple years.
When will R-22A be phased out?
As everyone knows R-22 was phased out in 2010, production was scaled back in 2015, and it will be completely phased out in 2020.
Can you sell R-22A?
Confused yet? To put it simply, R-290 or R-22a can be sold and used on NEW units, but if a company is caught actively selling/targeting the old R-22 units they would be in violation of the Clean Air Act and will have the wrath of the federal goverment coming down on them. Just ask Enviro-Safe refrigerants if you don’t believe me!
Is R-22A worth the risk?
In the mean time keep your eye out and if you see R-22a being marketed stay far away. It’s not worth the safety risk or the EPA risk.
Is R22A a SNAP?
(The release can be found here.) The press release pretty much says what I said above. The EPA has NOT approved the R22a to be used in R-22 built machines. If the EPA has not approved the alternative refrigerant through their SNAP program then a company who sells that product is in violation of the Federal Clean Air Act. (Trust me, you don’t want to do that!)
What is the difference between R22 and R410A?
The biggest difference between R22 and R410A refrigerants is the fact that R410A is much better for the environment than R22. R22 has been proven to be damaging to the earth’s ozone layer.
When will R22 be phased out?
Which refrigerants are being phased out? As of January 1, 2020, production and import of R22 was banned in the United States. Those who have existing air conditioning units that take R22 can still use and purchase the refrigerant, but the price is much more expensive as it is hard to find.
What is the new refrigerant for 2020?
With R-22 due to be completely unavailable by 2020, R410a is taking over as the new refrigerant of choice.
How much does it cost to fix an R-22 air conditioner?
It is more expensive to obtain however. Don’t be shocked to pay $400 or more for a simple R-22 repair in your air conditioner if it needs one. If your air conditioner is older than 10 years and is low on R-22 or needs an R-22 related repair, your best option is to schedule an estimate for a new air conditioner.
Can a condensing unit be used with a R410A?
The condensing unit and cooling coil in your unit are most likely not suited to the high pressure R410A refrigerant.
Is R-22 used in air conditioners?
Erodes ozone layer of the earth. As of 2010, new air conditioners are not allowed to use R-22. Becoming extremely expensive as it is being phased out. Less efficient at absorbing heat making it less energy efficient.
Is the R-22 better than the R-22?
Much cheaper to obtain than R-22. Better for the environment. Much more efficient at cooling making it more energy efficient. Requires the use of more durable air conditioner parts to work, which means less breakdowns.
What is the best refrigerant for R22?
When it is time to replace your R22-using HVAC system, rest assured your new system will be more environmentally-friendly. The most common R22 replacement is R410-A, a refrigerant that does exactly the same thing, but without the ozone-depleting qualities.
What is R22 in the air conditioner?
R22 refrigerant, (also known as R22 freon and HCFC-22 freon) is a chemical used in both air conditioners and heat pumps to cool your home . On Jan. 1, 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the production and import of R22 because of its particularly harmful impact on the ozone layer when released into the air.
What if my air conditioner or heat pump still uses R22?
If your HVAC system still uses R22, you don’t need to replace or stop using your system right away. The EPA’s plan to phase out these harmful chemicals stretches out just over another eight years, so that homeowners can switch to environmentally-friendly refrigerants at a time that’s convenient for their system.
What is the price of R22?
To completely refill your refrigerant levels with R22 costs around $180 to $600; to put that number into perspective, it costs between $100 and $320 to refill other types of refrigerant in an HVAC unit, according to Home Guide’s collaboration with 5 Expert AC Repair Services in November, 2020.
How much refrigerant does a central air conditioner need?
Most central air conditioners need 2-4 pounds of refrigerant to recharge, while a complete refrigerant refill requires 6 to 15 pounds of refrigerant, depending on size. According to the same Home Guide data referenced above, R22 will cost between $90 and $150 per pound to install, whereas R410A, an alternative to R22, only costs $50-$80 per pound to install.
What is R22 in HVAC?
R22 refrigerant is one specific type of refrigerant, which is the main chemical your HVAC system uses to cool your home. Generally speaking, all kinds of refrigerants run through your air conditioner or heat pump, and they continuously absorb and release heat in order to cool your home.
How does R22 affect the environment?
When R22 is released into the air outside, it depletes the earth’s ozone layer, which in turn contributes to worldwide climate change. Collectively, all of the emissions of R22 since its creation have resulted in an “ozone hole” over the South Pole, according to the EPA. In an effort to protect the ozone layer and slow climate change, the EPA is phasing out all production of R22 and other ozone-depleting substances -- like HCFCs, CFCs, and Halons.
