Residential Air Conditioning and the Phaseout of HCFC-22 What You Need to Know What Is the HCFC Phaseout? To protect the stratospheric ozone layer, under the U.S. Clean Air Act and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, the United States has phased out the production and import of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) with limited exceptions. By phasing out ozone-depleting substances like HCFCs, we are reducing the risk of skin cancer caused by exposure to UV radiation. In addition, many of these ozone-depleting substances are potent greenhouse gases. No Immediate Change Is Required HCFC-22, commonly referred to as R-22, is used as a refrigerant in many applications, including residential air-conditioning (AC) systems. U.S. production and import of HCFC-22 ended on January 1, 2020, but you may continue to use HCFC-22 in your existing system for as long as necessary HCFC-22 that is recovered and reclaimed, along with HCFC-22 produced prior to 2020, wiil help meet the needs of owners of existing HCFC-22 systems. Planning for the Future Is Important Even though there is no immediate need for change, you can take steps to keep your system running efficiently and keep HCFC-22 in your system. By asking your service technician to check for leaks and perform preventive maintenance, you can help keep your refrigerant emissions down and reduce the need to purchase additional HCFC-22. Air conditioning equipment generally runs most efficiently on the type of refrigerant it was designed for, but when the time does come to replace or retrofit your system, there are many non-ozone-depleting alternatives available. How can I find out if my home air conditioner contains HCFC-22? Most air conditioners have a nameplate on the unit that identifies the refrigerant it contains and other information, such as safety certifications and electrical ratings. What Alternatives Can Be Used instead of HCFC-22? Many non-ozone-depleting alternatives to HCFC-22 are available. See the table on the next page for some of the most common non- ozone-depleting alternatives that are listed as acceptable under ERA'S Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program. Some of these alternatives are for new residential AC systems, while others are listed for use in both new and retrofitted residential AC systems. A full list of acceptable alternatives under SNAP is available at www.epa.gov/snap/substitutes- residential-and-light-commercial-air- conditioning-and-heat-pumps mmMii ------- If your service technician is retrofitting a system, be sure he or she recovers any HCFC-22 still in your AC, follows the manufacturer's suggested handling and installation guidelines for that particular alternative, and explains how the conversion to a different refrigerant might affect your system's performance and energy use. Are There Other Refrigerant Regulations Affecting Residential AC? Yes. Under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act and EPA's regulations, it is illegal for anyone to knowingly vent or intentionally release refrigerant while servicing, repairing, maintaining or disposing of AC equipment. There are additional handling, recovery, and sales requirements that apply to certain refrigerants. Is R-22a An Acceptable Alternative to HCFC-22? No. R-22a or 22a refrigerant has been falsely marketed as R-22 or an R-22 replacement, but it is a hydrocarbon refrigerant blend whose primary components include flammable substances such as propane and butane. This refrigerant is highly flammable and not an acceptable alternative for your residential AC system. Other EPA Resources • Phaseout of Ozone-Depleting Substances: www.epa.gov/ods-phaseout/phaseout-class-ii-ozone-depleting-substances • Section 608 of the Clean Air Act: Stationary Refrigeration and Air Conditioning: www.epa.gov/section608 • Questions and Answers about R-22a Safety: www.epa.gov/snap/questions-and-answers-about-r-22a-safety • Frequently Asked Questions About Repairing or Replacing Your Home Air Conditioner: www.epa.gov/ods-phaseout/purchasing-and-repairing-home-air-conditioners-or-heat-pumps • Homeowners Frequently Asked Questions: www.epa.gov/ods-phaseout/homeowners-and-consumers-frequently-asked-questions • Indoor Air Quality in Homes: www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/protect-indoor-air-quality-your-home • ENERGY STAR® Energy Savings at Home: www.energystar.gov/campaign/home Office of Air and Radiation (6205T) E PA-430-F R-20001 February 2020 ------- |