Freon (Refrigerant)
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.
💡 Key Takeaways
- ✓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.
- ✓Freon (R-22) is no longer manufactured in the U.S. and can only be sourced from reclaimed or existing stockpiles, making it very expensive.
- ✓You cannot simply switch an R-22 system to R-410A, the systems operate at different pressures and require different components.
- ✓Refrigerant does not get 'used up' in normal operation. If your system needs a recharge, there is a leak that should be found and repaired.
Freon (Refrigerant)
/ˈfriːɒn/ /rɪˈfrɪdʒərənt/
Definition
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
Quick Facts
How Freon (Refrigerant) Works
Freon (R-22) is no longer produced, modern systems use R-410A or R-454B.
Real-World Application
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.
Pro Tip
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.”
Important Things to Keep in Mind
- Freon (R-22) is no longer manufactured in the U.S. and can only be sourced from reclaimed or existing stockpiles, making it very expensive.
- You cannot simply switch an R-22 system to R-410A, the systems operate at different pressures and require different components.
- Refrigerant does not get 'used up' in normal operation. If your system needs a recharge, there is a leak that should be found and repaired.
Did You Know?
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.
FAQ
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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