You may have heard that R-22 refrigerant is in the final stage of being phased out in the United States. As of January 1, 2020, the EPA banned the production and import of newly manufactured R-22. This means that no newly produced R-22 (manufactured after January 1, 2020) is legally available to consumers in the U.S. In fact, most major U.S. refrigerant producers had already stopped manufacturing R-22 years before the final cutoff date.
Despite this phaseout, R-22 can still be legally purchased and used to service existing systems. The R-22 currently available on the market comes from reclaimed refrigerant, recycled refrigerant, or stockpiles that were produced before the 2020 ban. Suppliers such as Chiller City continue to provide these sources to support the large number of R-22 systems still in operation.
Who Can Purchase R-22?
Under EPA Section 608 regulations, refrigerants such as R-22 are typically sold to EPA Section 608 certified technicians. However, individuals may still purchase refrigerant if it will be installed by a licensed or certified technician. In these situations, it is generally recommended that the buyer provide a written statement confirming the refrigerant will be given or sold to a licensed technician for installation in compliance with EPA guidelines.
This policy helps ensure refrigerants are handled safely and responsibly while still allowing equipment owners to maintain their existing systems.
Should You Continue Using R-22 or Upgrade Your HVAC System?
If your existing R-22 system is still operating efficiently and does not require major repairs, continuing to service the unit with R-22 can often be the most cost-effective option. Replacing an entire HVAC system can require a significant upfront investment for homeowners and business owners.
Another advantage of continuing to use R-22 is that it preserves the original performance of the equipment. Many retrofit refrigerants are available, but they can sometimes result in changes to system pressures, capacity, or efficiency. Using the original refrigerant ensures the system continues to operate as it was originally designed.
Although the supply of R-22 has gradually decreased since the 2020 production ban, demand has also declined as manufacturers and contractors transition to newer refrigerants. This shift has helped keep R-22 prices relatively stable in recent years.
This stability gives equipment owners more flexibility when their systems require maintenance or repairs, allowing them to evaluate whether servicing an existing unit or upgrading to a newer system makes the most sense for their situation.
Whether you choose to maintain an existing R-22 system or transition to a newer refrigerant, Chiller City has the refrigerant you need to keep your systems running.
We look forward to working with you.