If you have an older HVAC system, you may be wondering if R22 refrigerant is still available. The good news is that it is, but it’s important to note that it’s now recycled R22.
R22 refrigerant is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), and it was once the most widely used refrigerant in the world. However, due to its environmental impact, the production of R22 was phased out in developed countries in 2020.
Despite the phase-out, there is still a large amount of R22 equipment in use. Recycled R22 is refrigerant that has been recovered from existing equipment and cleaned to meet industry standards. It is important to note that recycled R22 is not the same as reclaimed R22. Reclaimed R22 is refrigerant that has been processed to meet the same purity standards as virgin refrigerant. However, reclaimed R22 is no longer available due to the phase-out of R22 production.
Recycled R22 is a safe and effective refrigerant for servicing older equipment. It is important to have your R22 equipment serviced by a qualified HVAC technician who can properly recover and recycle the refrigerant.
How to Find Recycled R22
There are a number of ways to find recycled R22. You can:
- Ask your HVAC technician if they offer recycled R22. Many HVAC technicians have relationships with refrigerant suppliers and can obtain recycled R22 for their customers.
- Contact a refrigerant supplier directly. There are a number of refrigerant suppliers that specialize in recycled R22.
- Search online for recycled R22. There are a number of websites that sell recycled R22 to the public.
When purchasing recycled R22, be sure to purchase it from a reputable supplier. Make sure to ask for a certificate of analysis to ensure that the refrigerant meets industry standards.
Jared Carlson
Owner, Premier Mechanical