Refrigerant Phase-Out

R-22 Phase Out

The Refrigerant Phase Out    

schedule will affect all new  

systems manufactured or

imported into the USA after

the year 2010

R- 410A Replacement

R- 410A systems have been

available for several years in

air conditioning products by  

several leading manufacturers

of air  conditioning equipment.

All new systems after 2010 will

use refrigerant 410A in the US.

R-22 FREON

R-410A

R- 410A

There is a good chance you've probably heard about the

new alternative refrigerants being used in today's Air

Conditioning Systems and Heat Pumps.

These new products are designed to have less impact on

the earth's ozone layer and global warming.

Some of them have trade names like Suva, or Puron.

But no matter what the name, they are all refrigerant

R-410A,  a new generation for all future AC systems.

The age of your air conditioning system, the cost to maintain it, and the cost to replace it are all factors to

weigh as HCFC refrigerants are phased out.

Availability of R-22

While R-22 remains available for servicing equipment made before 2010, it is important to know that supplies

of R-22 will become more limited over time. Contractors can send refrigerant they remove from an air

conditioning system to a reclaimer who will reclaim the refrigerant to restore it to a purity level that meets

AHRI Standard 700. This reclaimed refrigerant can be used again to recharge R-22 air conditioning systems.

 The more used R-22 that is reclaimed will help extend the supply of this refrigerant even longer

Alternatives/Retrofitting

How do you know if your home’s central air conditioner or heat pump contains R-22? Homeowners can easily

check their equipment.  The refrigerant is usually identified by a nameplate on the air conditioning unit.  If a

nameplate is not provided, you could check your owner’s manual for the information.  Also, if you know the

manufacturer and the model number of the unit, you could call the manufacturer directly or check its Web

site.

Owning an air conditioner that requires R-22 refrigerant after 2010

You may continue to have your equipment containing R-22 refrigerant serviced after 2010. Keep in mind,

after 2010 only a limited amount of new R-22 refrigerant will be produced to meet the servicing needs of

equipment manufactured on or before Dec. 31, 2009. After Jan. 1, 2020, production of R-22 will be

prohibited and only recovered, recycled or reclaimed supplies of R-22 will be available for servicing existing

equipment.

Alternative Refrigerants

The EPA has identified a list of acceptable alternatives to R-22 that do not harm the ozone layer that

homeowners can use in their equipment. The EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program is a

list of acceptable substitutes. R-410A, an HFC refrigerant blend, is the most common and does not harm the

ozone layer.  Not all of these refrigerants are considered retrofit alternatives for R-22 air conditioning

systems.

Proper Servicing

Servicing Systems with R-22

While R-22 remains available for servicing equipment made before 2010, it is important to know that

supplies of R-22 will become more limited over time.

Working with a qualified service technician who will provide ongoing, regular service to your system is

an important measure for maintaining its efficiency and refrigerant charge, as well as reducing your

system’s impact on the environment.  Technicians servicing R-22 air conditioning systems must have

EPA Section 608 certification and carry a card verifying this credential.

It also is illegal for them to intentionally release any refrigerant when making repairs. To avoid emitting

refrigerants, technicians must use EPA-certified refrigerant recovery equipment during service.

It is important to note, the newest refrigerant used in home air conditioning systems today, known as R-

410A, cannot be used in any system not specifically designed for it.

Determine if it is Time to Upgrade

When deciding if it is time to upgrade or purchase new equipment, consumers need to consider

several key factors, such as energy efficiency, performance, reliability, cost and replacement

alternatives available. After 2020, the servicing of R-22 systems will rely on recycled or stockpiled

refrigerants. For the next 10 years to 15 years, R-22 should continue to be available for all systems

that require it for servicing; however supplies will decrease.

The single most important thing you can do to reduce the potential need to have your system’s

refrigerant serviced is to have proper, regular maintenance for your system done by a qualified

contractor. Routine servicing minimizes potential environmental hazards and keeps maintenance

costs low.  A system that is not installed or maintained properly will result in reduced efficiency and

deliver less comfort.

Remember, it is illegal to intentionally release refrigerant substitutes when making repairs to your

equipment. Technicians must always avoid release of refrigerant during servicing of your unit.

Replacement Options

The phaseout period was established with the intent of phasing out the use of R-22 refrigerant

without requiring homeowners to replace their R-22 air conditioning equipment earlier than normal.

New R-22 and R-410A systems are available today. Manufacturers also provide systems that use R-

22 and R-410A that are Energy Star-qualified.

Energy efficient air conditioners save energy costs while still allowing you to maintain a proper

comfort level. What determines if an air conditioner system is energy efficient? Energy efficiency is

measured by the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating. In general, the higher the SEER,

the less energy is needed for the cooling system to do its job.

To find certified air conditioning and heat pump systems, go to the AHRI Directory of Certified

Product Performance. Be sure to ask your air conditioning or heat pump installer to provide you with

an AHRI Certificate of Product Ratings that verifies the system’s certified performance ratings.

http://www.phaseoutfacts.org

http://www.phaseoutfacts.org

Johnson’s Air Conditioning

TRANE PRODUCTS

Carrier PRODUCTS