R-22

HCFC-22

Being phased out

GWP: 1,810
ODP: 0.06
Class: A1
Family: HCFC
Boiling: -40.8 °C

Composition: single-component HCFC

A long-standing standard in air conditioning and commercial refrigeration. Works with mineral oil, which made component replacement easier, but it contains chlorine and is therefore being phased out.

What this means for you

This refrigerant is being phased out. Availability is shrinking and the price is rising. If you operate equipment using it, it is worth planning the transition rather than waiting for a failure.

Complete phase-out foreseen by 2028. Import of equipment containing it has been banned since 2012.

Handling

Class A1. Low toxicity, non-flammable. The widest application, without special restrictions.

What replaces it

R-290

propane

GWP 3 · A3

GWP lower by 99.8%

Small self-contained systems — when replacing equipment

R-32

difluoromethane

GWP 675 · A2L

GWP lower by 63%

Split air conditioning — when replacing equipment

Replacement must be carried out by a licensed technician. Class A2L and A3 refrigerants are flammable and require specific installation conditions.

Where to go next

What the law requires Find a licensed technician

Data source: Manual §1.3.2, §2.5.1, §2.5.2