Is there a Freon shortage?

Beginning in 2020, Freon will no longer be produced or imported, but limited amounts will still be available. Older systems can be serviced or recharged with refrigerant using stocks of HCFC-22 until the 2020 date. After that, technicians will need to source recycled Freon to keep an old cooling system running.

Is there a shortage of Freon right now?

R-22, a refrigerant commonly known as “Freon,” is scheduled to be completely phased out by 2020, which has created a shortage of the chemical and driven its cost through the roof.

Why is there a shortage of Freon?

The overall shortage is compounded by the demand increase during the summer months, and it is affecting both after-market and OEM suppliers. In addition, major refrigerant manufacturers DuPont, Chemours, and Honeywell have dramatically scaled back production in 2021 due to supply chain and logistical constraints.

Can you still get R22 Freon in 2021?

If you rely on a heating or cooling system that uses R22 refrigerant, an ozone-depleting substance (ODS), you may be in for a surprise during your next service visit. As of January 1, 2020, production and import of R22 refrigerant will be illegal in the United States.

Is Freon being discontinued?

The Environmental Protection Agency has completed the years long process of phasing out the production of R-22 refrigerant, also known as “freon”.

Freon Shortage

What will replace Freon in 2020?

R410A is the new, more environmentally friendly refrigerant that will replace R-22 Freon in 2020. However, R410A can't be used in systems that run on R-22, which are most likely on their last leg.

What do fridges use instead of Freon?

Do Refrigerators Still Use Freon? You'll commonly find that most modern refrigerators now use a refrigerant known as HFC-134a, as opposed to Freon, which has deemed to be much more environmentally friendly.

Is there a substitute for R22 freon?

A few popular R22 alternatives are R410A, R134A, R407C, R407A, MO99, and RS-44b. This type of refrigerant is safe for the environment, affordable, and easy to store, use, and transport.

What Freon is replacing R22?

R22 is being replaced by R-410A, a safer material which is the current, compliant standard refrigerant in air conditioning equipment.

Can you switch from R22 to R-410A?

If you're like many Amarillo homeowners, you're wondering whether you can switch from R-22 to R-410A in your AC system. The answer is yes and no. You cannot just switch refrigerants because R410-A and R-22 have different chemical properties. R410-A operates at a higher pressure.

Why is Freon so expensive 2022?

Why is Freon R-22 so expensive? The reality is you are a victim of supply and demand due to the shortage of Freon R-22. You see, nearly 30 years ago the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) ruled that Freon R-22 should be phased out as it contains ingredients that have been shown to deplete the ozone.

How often does home AC Need Freon?

Never. You shouldn't have to “add” refrigerant to a central air conditioner because it doesn't “use up” refrigerant. The only reason you would ever need to recharge (that is, add refrigerant to) your A/C is if you have a leak; once the leak is fixed, the problem should be solved.

How much is a pound of Freon for AC unit?

Freon costs $50 to $150 per pound to refill a home AC and $4 to $21 per pound when buying wholesale. A 25lb tank of R410A costs $75 to $200. *Most central air conditioners need 2 to 4 pounds to recharge the refrigerant. Some HVAC companies have a 3-pound minimum.

How much is R-22 per pound?

Your HVAC specialist can snag R-22 freon for $20 to $50 per pound wholesale. However, when you call on a repair team to replace it, expect your bill to run from $90 to $150 per pound. It's important to note that a high-functioning HVAC system only requires a refill if something is wrong.

Why did 134a Freon prices go up?

According to the Business Club, the prices were boosted by rising prices of raw materials, particularly hydrofluoric acid and trichloroethylene. Some refrigerant companies are also said to have carried out overhauls of production equipment and, in some cases, stopped production in August.

Does Home Depot sell R-410A refrigerant?

Arkema Part # FORANE 410A - Arkema R410a Refrigerant, 25Lb Cylinder - Refrigerants - Home Depot Pro.

What is the newest AC refrigerant?

R-454b will be the refrigerant for the next 15 years, but even though its use will not be mandated until 2023, installers and HVAC technicians should be ready to use it starting Jan. 1, 2022.

Can I buy R22?

Many homeowners have been told that R22 is now illegal, and they have to change their HVAC not to be at odds with the law. That is false. R22 refrigerant is illegal to import and manufacturer in the U.S. But it's not illegal for anyone to buy R22 freon. And it's not illegal to sell it IF you have a license.

Should I replace my R22 air conditioner?

You don't need to replace your air conditioner just because it uses R22 Freon as its coolant. Manufacturers no longer produce R22 as part of an EPA-led phaseout. You can still use your system but likely have to replace it if there's a coolant leak.

How can you tell if your refrigerator is low on Freon?

Checking the Freon

Listen. With your ear pressed to the refrigerator, you should hear a faint hissing or gurgling noise. The Freon will hiss and gurgle through the fridge's capillary tubes as the pressure equalizes within the system. If you do not hear the hiss and gurgle, you may be low on Freon.

Do modern refrigerators have Freon?

Freon is a common component in the modern refrigerator. This compound is used for heat transfer to keep the internal compartment of your refrigerator cool and ensure that your food is kept at the proper temperature.

How much does it cost to put Freon in a refrigerator?

Estimating Refrigerant Replacement Costs

The cost of freon, more commonly known as refrigerant, is $4 to $10 per pound. If there appears to be a problem with the refrigerant, other parts that may need fixing or replacing may cost anywhere from $100 to $400 (not including labor).

How long does Freon last in a home AC unit?

Freon (which is really just a particular brand of refrigerant) lasts forever. It's not like gas in car; it does not get “used up.” You see, your air conditioner's refrigerant system is a “closed/sealed system,” meaning that it does not allow refrigerant to escape in any way.

How much Freon is in a 2 ton unit?

A two-ton system would need eight pounds of refrigerant to completely refill your unit (two tons x four pounds). Eight pounds of refrigerant times the cost would equal $160 to refill your air conditioning unit. But that's just the cost of the product – not including labor of a certified HVAC technician.

Can an AC unit last 30 years?

Air conditioners can last 10-15 years depending on various factors, while HVAC systems can even go up to 30 years before needing to be replaced.