The term “Freon” is a widely recognized brand name often used to refer to any refrigerant chemical, such as those used in air conditioners and refrigerators. These substances, which cycle heat out of enclosed spaces, belong to a family of halogenated hydrocarbons. For decades, certain types of these refrigerants have been central to cooling technology, but their widespread use has been linked to severe environmental damage. As a result of international agreements and national regulations, specific generations of these compounds are now subject to mandatory phase-outs toward safer, more sustainable alternatives.
The Specific Refrigerants Targeted for Elimination
The chemicals primarily targeted for elimination fall into two major classes: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). CFCs, the first generation of refrigerants, were largely phased out in the United States by 1996 due to their potent ozone-depleting capabilities. This paved the way for the transitional use of HCFCs, which were considered less damaging to the stratospheric ozone layer.
The most prominent HCFC currently being eliminated is R-22, the specific chemical compound often referred to by the brand name Freon. R-22 was the standard refrigerant for residential air conditioning and commercial refrigeration equipment for many years. The regulatory process for R-22 began decades ago, leading up to a complete ban on the manufacturing and importing of new R-22 in the United States as of January 1, 2020.
This final regulatory cutoff means that the supply of R-22 for servicing existing air conditioning units now relies entirely on reclaimed, recycled, or stockpiled quantities. While it is not illegal to continue operating equipment that uses R-22, the diminishing supply has caused the price of the refrigerant to increase significantly. The complete phase-out of all HCFCs, including R-22, for all uses is scheduled to be finished by the year 2030.
Why These Chemicals Pose an Environmental Threat
The global effort to phase out CFCs and HCFCs is driven by their direct impact on stratospheric ozone depletion and climate change. These compounds contain chlorine atoms that, when released into the atmosphere, drift up to the stratosphere. Once there, ultraviolet radiation breaks them down, freeing the chlorine.
A single chlorine atom acts as a catalyst, capable of destroying tens of thousands of ozone molecules, leading to the depletion of the protective ozone layer. This destruction is measured by the chemical’s Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP). CFCs have the highest ODP, while HCFCs, like R-22, have a lower but still measurable ODP.
Beyond ozone depletion, these chemicals are also potent greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming. Their impact on the climate is quantified by their Global Warming Potential (GWP), which compares the heat a gas traps in the atmosphere to the same mass of carbon dioxide. Even though HCFCs and their replacements, Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), have zero ODP, many have GWP values thousands of times greater than carbon dioxide.
Navigating the Transition and New Alternatives
The regulatory phase-out of R-22 prompted the widespread adoption of new refrigerants, primarily Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), such as R-410A, commonly used in modern residential air conditioning systems. HFCs were initially selected because they contain no chlorine, giving them an ODP of zero. However, the high GWP of HFCs meant they quickly became a significant concern for climate change.
This realization led to a second wave of regulation targeting HFCs, including R-410A, under international and national mandates like the Kigali Amendment and the U.S. AIM Act. This phase-down limits the production and importation of high-GWP HFCs, requiring a transition to a third generation of refrigerants. The next-generation alternatives include Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) and certain natural refrigerants like carbon dioxide (CO2) or propane.
For consumers who still own an older system that uses R-22, the diminishing availability of the refrigerant for servicing makes replacement increasingly important. While existing R-22 equipment can continue to operate, a major repair requiring a refrigerant recharge can be very costly due to high R-22 prices. Many homeowners and businesses are choosing to replace their aging equipment with new, energy-efficient systems that use low-GWP refrigerants.