R-22 Phase-Out: Does My AC Use R-22?

R-22 (often called Freon) was the standard refrigerant in home air conditioners for decades. It hasn't been produced or imported in the US since 2020. Here's how to tell whether your system uses it and what that means.

By Suraj Jha · Updated 2026-10-29

The R-22 timeline

The phase-out comes from the Clean Air Act rules implementing the Montreal Protocol, because R-22 damages the ozone layer. The 2025 change, under the AIM Act, targets refrigerants with a high global-warming potential.

How to tell whether your system uses R-22

1. Read the outdoor unit’s rating plate. Look for “Refrigerant”, “R-22” or “HCFC-22”. This is definitive.
2. Check the age. Equipment built before 2010 is very likely R-22. Our HVAC age lookup decodes the serial number.
3. Look at the model number. Some brands signal the refrigerant in the model. On many Trane outdoor units, a leading 2 points to R-22 and a leading 4 to R-410A.
4. Check the paperwork. Installation invoices and warranty registrations usually list the refrigerant.

What it means for you

If your R-22 system works fine

Keep using it. Book regular maintenance to catch small leaks early, and start budgeting for a replacement, since any R-22 system is now at least 15 years old.

If it has a leak

Recharging with recycled R-22 is expensive, and the price tends to rise as supply shrinks. A system that needs regular top-ups is losing money every summer. Your options:

• Find and fix the leak, then recharge: reasonable for an isolated, accessible leak if the rest of the system is in good shape.
• Convert to an alternative refrigerant: possible in some cases, with trade-offs in capacity and efficiency. Ask a technician for an honest assessment.
• Replace the system: usually the best long-term choice, especially if the compressor or coil is also aging.

If the compressor fails

Replace the system. Spending on a new compressor for a 15-plus-year-old R-22 unit rarely makes sense.

Replacing an R-22 system: what to expect

• The outdoor unit and indoor coil both need replacing, because new refrigerants need matched components.
• The refrigerant lines (line set) may be reused if they’re the right size and in good condition and are cleaned properly, or replaced, especially if they’re undersized or damaged.
• The old refrigerant must be recovered by an EPA-certified technician. Venting it is illegal.
• Consider a heat pump if you also need heating. Modern heat pumps work well in more climates than older ones did.

A note on scams

Be cautious of anyone who says R-22 systems are “illegal” and must be replaced immediately, or who offers a cheap “drop-in” recharge without discussing compatibility. Ask what refrigerant they’d use, whether it’s compatible with your system’s oil and components, and get it in writing.