Refrigerant

R-22 Refrigerant

R-22 refrigerant, also known as Freon, is a legacy HVAC refrigerant used in older home AC systems and commercial units. Though it's being phased out, many systems still rely on R-22 for consistent performance. Our R-22 refrigerant is virgin, never reclaimed, and made in the USA—ideal for licensed professionals servicing existing R-22 systems with high-purity product you can trust.

R-22 Refrigerant FAQs

What is R-22 refrigerant?

R-22 refrigerant (commonly known as Freon) is an older HVAC refrigerant that was widely used in air conditioners and heat pumps for decades.

Its job is simple: absorb heat from inside your space and release it outside, keeping your home or building cool. R-22 became popular because it’s reliable and effective—but today, it’s mainly used to service older AC systems that were specifically designed for it.
Why is R-22 refrigerant being phased out?

R-22 is being phased out because it contains chlorine, which can damage the ozone layer if released into the atmosphere.

Due to environmental regulations under the Montreal Protocol, production and import of new R-22 have been banned in the U.S. since 2020. The goal is to move the industry toward more environmentally friendly AC refrigerant options.
Can I still use R-22 in my existing system?

Yes—you can still use R-22 to service your existing system.

However, since it’s no longer being produced, it’s only available through reclaimed or existing supply. That limited availability is why R-22 refrigerant cost is typically much higher than newer alternatives.

If your system is still running well, it can make sense to keep it maintained. But if major repairs are needed, many homeowners and contractors consider upgrading to a newer system.
Are there alternatives to R-22 refrigerant?

Yes—there are several alternatives to R-22, with the most common being R-410A and R-407C.

These newer HVAC refrigerants don’t harm the ozone layer and are used in modern air conditioning systems. That said, they are not direct drop-in replacements for R-22 systems. Switching usually requires equipment changes or a full system replacement.
What’s the best way to handle the R-22 phase-out?

The best approach depends on your system and budget, but a few general guidelines apply:

  • Keep your current system well-maintained to avoid leaks
  • Work with a certified technician for any repairs or refrigerant handling
  • Only use properly sourced or reclaimed R-22
  • Plan ahead for eventual replacement with a newer system

If your unit is older or needs major work, upgrading to a modern air conditioning refrigerant system can often be more cost-effective long term.

Shop All Refrigerant

Shop premium HVAC refrigerant including R-22, R-404A, R-407C, and R-410A. Virgin, EPA-compliant refrigerant cylinders shipped fast nationwide.

R-22 Refrigerant for Recharging Legacy AC and HVAC Systems

R-22 refrigerant—commonly known as Freon—has been a long-standing solution in HVAC refrigerant and AC refrigerant systems. While it is no longer produced for new equipment, R-22 remains essential for servicing and maintaining existing air conditioning and refrigeration systems that were specifically designed for it.

One of the key advantages of R-22 is its proven cooling performance. It offers reliable heat transfer and consistent temperature control, making it a dependable option for home AC refrigerant systems and commercial applications alike. For systems already built around R-22, continuing to use it can help maintain performance without the need for costly retrofits or full system replacements.

Although the price of R-22 refrigerant has increased due to regulatory phase-outs, it can still be a practical and cost-effective solution when servicing existing equipment. Many contractors and system owners choose R-22 to extend the life of their current systems while planning for future upgrades.

It’s important to understand that R-22 is an ozone-depleting refrigerant and is regulated under EPA guidelines. As a result, it is only available for servicing existing systems and must be handled by certified professionals. Proper maintenance and leak prevention are critical to minimizing environmental impact and ensuring safe operation.

At Ice Cold, we supply high-quality R-22 refrigerant for licensed HVAC professionals who need a reliable solution for legacy systems. Whether you’re performing routine maintenance or critical repairs, R-22 remains a trusted option for keeping older systems running efficiently and effectively.