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R22: Legal & Available

When it comes to the phaseout of R22, it is important to know the facts. R22 is still available through EPA-certified reclaimers, like A‑Gas. Let us help you guarantee your future R22 supply today.
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R22 (also known as Chlorodifluoromethane, Freon, or HCFC-22) is a popular refrigerant most commonly used in residential and commercial air conditioning systems. After January 1, 2020, the production and importation of R22 refrigerant was banned in response to the Montreal Protocol.

If you have a system that uses R22, the EPA will not come knocking on your door. Why? Because R22 is still LEGAL to use! Though producing it or importing it into the US will no longer be allowed, one can produce R22 outside of the US, and many countries will continue to do so for years to come. You are still allowed to use AHRI-700 certified reclaimed R22, recycled, or virgin R22 sold from existing stockpiles. It is important to understand that you are not required to stop using R22 or replace existing systems. 

Reclaimed refrigerants are used refrigerants cleaned by means of filtration, distillation, separation, or other mechanical processes. Both reclaimed and newly produced refrigerants must meet the same AHRI-700 standards. Reclaimed refrigerants that have passed chemical analysis by an AHRI-approved test program are considered equal to “newly produced” grade product. You can learn more about reclaimed refrigerants on our FAQs page.

We do! A‑Gas purchases used, recovered, and surplus refrigerants...and we offer competitive buyback pricing! Our proprietary reclamation and separation facilities enable us to clean and return used refrigerant back to the supply chain. If you have used CFCs, HCFCs, or HFCs, contact us today.

Only EPA 608 certified technicians may purchase AHRI-700 certified reclaimed product or virgin R22 from stockpiles. Wholesalers are required to document purchases and are legally responsible for selling only to purchasers who fit the EPA-allowed category requirements.

As of January 1, 2018, under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, the EPA requires all technicians who "maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release ozone depleting refrigerants into the atmosphere" to have a 608 certification. This includes removing refrigerant from appliances. A-Gas Rapid Recovery has a nationwide network of EPA Section 608 certified technicians who are ready to recover your refrigerant and provide ALL necessary documentation. 
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