Freon is a brand name originally trademarked by DuPont (now Chemours) for a family of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) and hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. The most well-known Freon product is R-22 (HCFC-22), which was the standard residential AC refrigerant for decades. While many homeowners use 'Freon' as a generic term for any AC refrigerant, technically Freon refers specifically to these branded products. R-22 Freon was phased out of production in the United States as of January 1, 2020, under the Clean Air Act due to its ozone-depleting properties. Modern systems use alternatives like R-410A (Puron) or the newer R-454B.
/ˈfriːɒn/ /rɪˈfrɪdʒərənt/
Freon is a brand name originally trademarked by DuPont (now Chemours) for a family of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) and hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. The most well-known Freon product is R-22 (HCFC-22), which was the standard residential AC refrigerant for decades. While many homeowners use 'Freon' as a generic term for any AC refrigerant, technically Freon refers specifically to these branded products. R-22 Freon was phased out of production in the United States as of January 1, 2020, under the Clean Air Act due to its ozone-depleting properties. Modern systems use alternatives like R-410A (Puron) or the newer R-454B.
Is Freon still used in air conditioners?
Freon (R-22) is no longer produced in the United States as of 2020 due to its ozone-depleting properties. Modern AC systems use R-410A or R-454B refrigerant instead.
Source: The Cooling Company
Freon (R-22) is no longer produced — modern systems use R-410A or R-454B.
Many Las Vegas homes still have older AC systems that run on R-22 Freon. Since production stopped in 2020, remaining supplies are expensive and dwindling. If your R-22 system develops a leak, the cost to recharge can exceed $100 per pound, making replacement with a modern R-410A or R-454B system increasingly cost-effective.
If a technician says your system needs Freon, ask which specific refrigerant it uses. If it is R-22, get a quote for both a recharge and a system replacement — the math often favors upgrading to a modern, more efficient unit.
“If a technician says your system needs Freon, ask which specific refrigerant it uses. If it is R-22, get a quote for both a recharge and a system replacement — the math often favors upgrading to a modern, more efficient unit.”
The name 'Freon' became so widely associated with AC refrigerant that many people still call all refrigerants Freon, even though newer refrigerants like R-410A and R-454B are chemically unrelated to the original Freon products.
Can I still buy Freon for my AC?
Limited reclaimed R-22 is still available, but supplies are shrinking and prices are high. Only EPA-certified technicians can purchase and handle refrigerants.
How much does Freon cost per pound?
R-22 Freon typically costs $75 to $150 per pound or more. Modern refrigerants like R-410A are significantly less expensive.
Should I replace my R-22 AC system?
If your R-22 system needs major repairs or a large refrigerant recharge, replacing it with a modern system is usually more cost-effective long term.
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