Phaseout Schedule for HCFCs Including R-22

Under the terms of the Montreal Protocol, the U.S. agreed to meet certain obligations by specific dates that will affect the residential heat pump and air-conditioning industry:

January 1, 2010:

After 2010, chemical manufacturers may still produce R-22 to service existing equipment, but not for use in new equipment. As a result, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system manufacturers will only be able to use pre-existing supplies of R-22 to produce new air conditioners and heat pumps. These existing supplies would include R-22 recovered from existing equipment and recycled.

December 2014

Use of existing refrigerant, including refrigerant that has been recovered and recycled, will not be allowed beyond 2014. Systems operating on R22 Refrigerant will be classed as "NOT SERVICEABLE" beyond this date. 

A complete ban on R22 Refrigerant including reclaimed or recycled will be effective on December 31st 2014

For more information about this phaseout, see fact sheets about the HCFC Phaseout Schedule and Frequently Asked Questions on the HCFC Phaseout.