R22 Phase Out: What You Need To Know

Since the late 70s, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), including the popular R22 blend, commonly known as freon, have been used as the primary refrigerant in commercial refrigeration and air conditioning units.

But during the 80s, researchers made findings that HCFCs were depleting the Earth’s ozone layer. A rogue chlorine atom is released when the compound is broken down in the atmosphere. This causes the damage to the ozone layer. This layer of oxygen high above the Earth’s surface is critical to protecting life on Earth from the sun’s harmful UV radiation. Without the protection of the ozone layer, diseases like skin cancer and cataracts caused by the UV radiation from the sun could become an epidemic.

Because of these findings, scientists, activists, and legislators began working to ban the use of HCFCs. In 1987, the Montreal Protocol banned HCFCs in several countries, including the United States.

98% of ozone-depleting substances were phased out of production and consumption, since the introduction of the Montreal Protocol. But certain ozone-depleting substances could continue in use for a limited period—including R22.

Over the decades, the demand for and reliance on R22 has been much higher than expected. Though several alternative refrigerants that cause no ozone depletion are available, the equipment using R22 are still the best sellers.

Although many companies may depend on R22 to fuel HVAC systems and refrigeration units, those companies will have to update their equipment eventually or potentially face fines.