R-22 Refrigerant (HCFC, Legacy Systems)
R-22 Refrigerant – Legacy HCFC
Once the dominant refrigerant for residential and commercial air conditioning, R-22 refrigerant (HCFC-22) powered millions of systems worldwide. Due to its ozone-depleting potential, R-22 has been phased out for new equipment under environmental regulations. However, many older A/C and refrigeration systems are still in operation, and R-22 remains necessary for servicing and maintaining legacy equipment.
Current Status of R-22
- Production ban: R-22 is no longer manufactured for new equipment in the U.S.
- Availability: Limited quantities remain for servicing existing systems.
- Phase-out replacements: R-410A, R-407C, R-421A, and R-438A are common retrofit options.
Cylinder Sizes
- 30 lb cylinder (service and maintenance use)
Applications
R-22 continues to be used in:
- Older residential air conditioning systems
- Commercial split and packaged A/C units
- Legacy refrigeration systems
Key Considerations
- Environmental regulations: Supplies are restricted and may increase in cost over time.
- Not for new equipment: R-22 can only be used to maintain existing systems.
- Certification: EPA Section 608 certification is required to purchase and handle.
For retrofit or replacement projects, see alternatives such as R-407C, R-421A, or R-438A (MO99).