Have you been told that R22 is illegal?
If so, then you have been misinformed
Here, we debunk myths surrounding the R22 (Freon) refrigerant phase-out and clarify the truth behind its legality. Don't fall for misinformation; let's explore the actual implications of the R22 phase-out straight from the EPA and its impact on HVAC systems.
For the most comprehensive and current information on the phasing of R22 Freon, it's essential to check the official EPA website.
Is R22 Freon Refrigerant Really Illegal?
The answer is NO, for residential and light commercial (systems with a full refrigerant charge of 50 lbs or less).
We have never seen or heard of a residential home air conditioner unit that uses 50 lbs of refrigerant.
There is nothing on the official EPA website that mentions the term "Illegal".
Explanation:
It's important to clarify that R22 legal for residential and light commercial systems as long as they contain a full refrigerant charge of 50 lbs or less. Most residential air conditioner units use significantly less than 50 lbs of refrigerant, which means they fall within the permissible range.
Additionally, the term "illegal" is not used by the official EPA website when referring to the usage of R22 in existing systems. Homeowners can rest assured that they are not breaking the law by continuing to use R22 in their current HVAC systems, as long as they comply with the EPA's guidelines for refrigerant usage.
By providing this information, we aim to debunk the misconception that R22 is entirely illegal and clarify the actual implications of the R22 phase-out on residential and light commercial HVAC systems. Homeowners can make informed decisions about their HVAC maintenance and servicing needs, ensuring the efficient performance of their systems while adhering to environmental regulations.
The EPA R22 "Phase Out": What's Changed:
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under the Clean Air Act, took crucial steps toward protecting the environment, i.e. protecting the ozone layer by phasing out HCFCs such as R22 and phasing out other substances that are known to increase global warming.
The ban includes the production, import, and use of R22 in new air conditioners. However, it's important to note that existing HVAC systems can still be serviced and refilled with R22, especially for residential and light commercial applications. Homeowners can rest assured that they are not breaking the law by continuing to use R22 in their existing systems.
So what does "R22 Phased Out" really mean?
Just as the terms suggest, it means no more or less. Quoting the EPA.
No Immediate Change Is Required
HCFC-22, commonly referred to as R-22, is used as a refrigerant in many applications, including residential air-conditioning (AC) systems. U.S. production and import of HCFC-22 ended on January 1, 2020, but you may continue to use HCFC-22 in your existing system for as long as necessary. HCFC-22 that is recovered and reclaimed, along with HCFC-22 produced prior to 2020, will help meet the needs of owners of existing HCFC-22 systems. - Word By Word from the EPA website.
In the United States, the production and import of Freon R22 were banned after January 1, 2020. Let's be clear that this ban applies to:
- Refrigerant R22 importers and manufacturers such as Honeywell, Dupont Refrigeration, and others.
- Air Conditioner and Refrigeration manufacturers such as Trane, Goodman, Rheem, and more.
However, existing supplies of R22 can still be used to service existing equipment, with a few exceptions for large industrial systems and systems with high leak rates.
This means that if you have a residential air conditioner that uses R22 Freon, you can still charge R22.
One important consideration is that the availability and price of R22 have significantly increased due to its limited supply. As a result, depending on the age of your air conditioner, it may sometimes be economically sensible to replace the unit. Making such decisions requires case-by-case analyses, which vary from one air conditioner to another.
Does Your System Need Freon R22 Recharge?
Your Air Conditioner is a sealed system, under normal circumstances, and once it is charged with refrigerant, the refrigerant level should NOT diminish. However, there are instances when a system requires the addition of freon. The symptoms of a low R22 refrigerant level become evident when the air conditioner fails to cool or becomes frozen.
- Freon Leaks: For the sake of simplicity, let's discuss two types of Freon leaks (learn more):
- Worth repairing: This applies to leaks occurring at the Schrader valve or Lineset microleak.
- Not Worth repairing: This pertains to leaks happening in the Evaporator Coil or Condenser Coil.
- Low Initial Freon Charge: Improper charging can happen during installation. This issue may arise in systems installed during winter or under other unfavorable charging conditions. Initially, when the system is new, low system performance is not felt. As AC ages, ductwork develops leaks, air filters get dirty, the air conditioner may require, often neglected, periodic tune-ups and the addition of a few ounces of R22.
- Remodeling, Extensions, and "Improvements": Homeowners often opt for upgrades, extensions, and improvements, such as adding basement or attic rooms, which can increase the load on the AC system that was not present before. While the AC system may have the capacity to handle these extensions, the freon level may require adjustment to accommodate the new demands. This ensures that the AirCon continues to operate efficiently and effectively in light of the modifications made to the property.
- Prior Maintenance: We consistently advocate for periodic maintenance, and that remains unchanged. However, with each freon level measurement, some freon may be trapped in the manifold gauge hoses, typically between 1 to 3 oz with each intervention. If the freon level is checked every year for five consecutive years, the system may lose between 5 to 15 ounces of R22 freon. At this point, technicians can adjust the freon level for optimal performance, Even better, to prevent the freon loss, technicians should use No-LOSS gages, whether analog or digital, such as the Testo Smart Probes or Fieldpiece Job link.
Misleading R22 illegal Practices: Exposing the truth
Unfortunately, some HVAC companies misuse the term "EPA phased out R22" to create confusion and pressure homeowners into unnecessary replacements. The truth is that R22 remains legal for servicing existing systems, and homeowners have the right to choose the best course of action for their HVAC needs.
Beware of deceptive tactics and always seek a second opinion if in doubt about your system's condition. A fair assessment usually costs a few hundred dollars, while a complete replacement can amount to thousands of dollars. Additionally, bear in mind that the replacement may involve using R410A as a refrigerant.
Hold On!
Are you aware that HFC R410A is also being phased out in 2023 as it has a Global Warming Potential GWP of 2088?
What Reputable HVAC Companies Are Saying - Freon R22?
While we are working on making videos to empower our customers with better information and better R22 units decisions, we selected these videos to share with you. Feel however to navigate other videos
Brian Orr HVAC School Founder R22 illegal position
Updated R22 Freon Position of FoxFamily Owners
Recharging Air Conditioning Units with R22
As discussed earlier, according to the EPA, you may continue to have your residential air conditioner unit containing R22 serviced and recharged. It is important to select a reliable HVAC contractor, in particular, technicians must have EPA Section 608 certification to work on refrigerants or equipment containing HCFC-22.
As recommended by the EPA, your unit must be periodically maintained properly as to prevent leaks or detect leaks as early as possible. In other words, the EPA, requests that owners and technicians locate and repair leaks instead of “topping off” leaking systems, thus minimizing potential environmental damage and protecting the ozone layer.
Handling R22 Refrigerant Leaks
Addressing refrigerant leaks is a matter that should not be taken lightly. At our company, we have a dedicated section specifically addressing Freon leaks.
Under the EPA Clean Air Act, and following actual regulations (40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F) regarding refrigerant leaks, we believe it is crucial for our customers to fully comprehend the implications and make informed decisions when it comes to addressing refrigerant leaks.