“Freon” is a brand name for chemical refrigerants, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), designed to transfer heat in cooling systems. Certain refrigerants, often called “Freon,” are being phased out globally. This transition is driven by environmental concerns.
Understanding the Environmental Concerns
A primary concern is ozone layer depletion, which occurs when certain chemicals reach the stratosphere and release chlorine or bromine atoms. These atoms catalyze the breakdown of ozone molecules, diminishing the protective layer that shields Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Increased UV radiation can lead to health issues and harm ecosystems.
Another environmental concern is the global warming potential (GWP) of these substances. GWP measures how much a given mass of a gas contributes to global warming compared to the same mass of carbon dioxide. Many refrigerants trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. International efforts to address these issues are primarily guided by the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, an agreement designed to reduce and ultimately eliminate ozone-depleting substances. The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol further addresses hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which, while not ozone-depleting, possess high GWP and contribute to climate change.
Refrigerants Being Phased Out
Historically, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) like R-12 (dichlorodifluoromethane) were widely used in refrigeration and vehicle air conditioning systems. R-12 has a high ozone depletion potential (ODP) of 1.0 and a significant global warming potential of 10,900. Production of R-12 was banned in developed countries by 1996 and in developing countries by 2010 under the Montreal Protocol due to its severe impact on the ozone layer.
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), such as R-22 (chlorodifluoromethane), were introduced as transitional substitutes for CFCs because they cause less damage to the ozone layer. R-22 has an ODP of 0.055 and a GWP of 1,810. Despite its lower ODP compared to CFCs, R-22 is still considered an ozone-depleting substance and a powerful greenhouse gas. The production and import of new R-22 ceased on January 1, 2020, as part of the phase-out mandated by the Montreal Protocol. Existing supplies of R-22 can still be used for servicing older units.
The Next Generation of Refrigerants
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) emerged as initial replacements because they do not contain chlorine and therefore have zero ozone depletion potential. Common HFCs include R-134a, R-410A, R-404A, R-32, and R-407C, which are used in various cooling applications. However, HFCs still contribute to global warming, with GWPs that can be hundreds to thousands of times higher than carbon dioxide. For instance, R-410A has a GWP of 2,088, and R-134a has a GWP of 1,430.
The next generation of refrigerants includes hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), such as R-1234yf and R-1234ze, which have very low global warming potentials. HFOs are chemically unstable and break down quickly in the atmosphere, significantly reducing their climate impact. Natural refrigerants are also gaining prominence due to their extremely low or zero GWP and ODP. These include carbon dioxide (R-744), with a GWP of 1; ammonia (R-717), with a GWP and ODP of 0; and hydrocarbons like propane (R-290) and isobutane (R-600a), with GWPs typically less than 5.
Navigating the Transition
The phase-out of refrigerants like R-22 has practical implications for homeowners and businesses with older cooling systems. If an air conditioning unit was manufactured before 2010, it likely uses R-22. While the ban does not require immediate replacement of functional R-22 units, the production and import of new R-22 have ceased, leading to decreasing availability and increasing costs of the refrigerant for servicing. Existing units can still be serviced with reclaimed or stockpiled R-22, but the supply is limited.
Consumers with R-22 systems have a few options. If the unit is working properly and not leaking, continued use and regular maintenance are possible. If a system develops a leak or requires a major repair that involves refrigerant, replacing the unit with a newer, compliant system that uses an alternative refrigerant like R-410A is often the most cost-effective long-term solution. Retrofitting older R-22 systems to use different refrigerants can be complex and costly, as it may require significant modifications to components not designed for the new refrigerant’s operating pressures. New systems also offer improved energy efficiency, which can lead to lower energy bills.