If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there's a good chance it uses R-22 refrigerant (commonly called Freon). R-22 was phased out of production in the United States on January 1, 2020, due to its ozone-depleting properties. Here's what that means for you.
Why R-22 Was Phased Out
R-22 is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) that damages the Earth's ozone layer. Under the Montreal Protocol and the Clean Air Act, the EPA mandated a gradual phase-out:
Existing R-22 can still be used for servicing, but supply is limited to recycled and reclaimed refrigerant.
How This Affects You
Repair costs have skyrocketed. R-22 now costs $100–$200+ per pound (it used to cost $10–$20). A typical recharge of 3–5 pounds can cost $300–$1,000 just for the refrigerant.
Supply is shrinking. As the remaining stockpile of recycled R-22 diminishes, prices will continue to rise and availability will become less certain.
Your system can't be converted. You cannot simply switch an R-22 system to the newer R-410A refrigerant. The systems are incompatible — different pressures, different oil, different components.
Your Options
Option 1: Continue repairing with R-22 — If your system is in good condition and the repair is minor, this may make sense in the short term. But budget for increasingly expensive refrigerant costs.
Option 2: Use a drop-in replacement refrigerant — Several R-22 alternatives (like R-407C or R-422D) can work in some R-22 systems with modifications. Performance may differ slightly, and not all systems are compatible. Discuss this option with your technician.
Option 3: Replace the system — If your R-22 system needs a major repair (compressor, coil), replacement is almost always the smarter financial decision. A new R-410A system will be more efficient, more reliable, and won't face refrigerant availability issues.
When Replacement Makes Sense
We recommend replacing your R-22 system if:
Our Honest Advice
We'll never push you to replace a system that can be reasonably repaired. But we'll always be honest about the math. If you're spending $500+ on R-22 refrigerant for a 20-year-old system, that money is better invested in a new, efficient system that will serve you for the next 15–20 years.
Have an R-22 system? Call All Seasons at (770) 809-1355 for honest advice on repair vs. replacement. Serving Carrollton, Villa Rica, Newnan, and Douglasville.