Prices and warranty examples reflect the article’s published context. Confirm current terms and your building’s requirements with HTS.
In This Guide
R-22 is an HCFC refrigerant used in older air conditioners and heat pumps. Canadian phase-out requirements and service rules must be checked for the installation; US EPA dates are not Canadian law. Replacement equipment must use its specified refrigerant.
See Canada’s ozone-depleting-substances guidance for the federal phase-out context.
The Impact Of Refrigerants On The Environment
The impact of refrigerants on the environment is measured in two ways by the Environmental Protection Agency.
- Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP): ODP indicates the ability of a refrigerant to destroy the ozone layer. The spectrum to measure the severity of ODP is between 0 to 1 being the most harmful.
- Global warming potential (GWP): GWP measures the ability of a gas to contribute to global warming. Below is a table showing the global warming potential and ozone depletion potential for different types of refrigerants. These data are taken from Goodheart- Wilcox Publisher.
Refrigerants And The Ozone Layer
CFC and HCFC refrigerants, including R-22, can deplete stratospheric ozone. HFC alternatives do not contain ozone-depleting chlorine but can still have climate impacts. Refrigerant recovery and suitable handling remain important when servicing or retiring equipment.
R-22 Was Phased Out On January 1, 2010
This heading refers to a historical phase-out milestone. Requirements varied by jurisdiction and activity; 2010 was not a universal end to servicing existing R-22 systems. Check current Canadian rules and refrigerant availability with the servicing contractor.
How Do I Know If My Air Conditioner Uses R-22 Refrigerant
Every Air Conditioner system has a sticker or nameplate that indicates the model number, serial number, electrical data and much more important specifications of the system. Your existing air conditioner nameplate must also show the type of refrigerant you’re currently using.
For Residential Air Conditioners: If you live in a residential house, you can walk to the side of the house and look for a sticker on the outdoor unit. Residential air conditioning systems typically use either R-22 or R-410A.
Condo & Apartment Air Conditioner Systems: Condo Air Conditioner units also have a nameplate. You can locate the nameplate by opening the access door and looking inside the cabinet where the system is located. Once found the nameplate, look for the section where it indicates the type of refrigerant your system is currently using.
Can I Use R-410A In An R-22 Air Conditioning Systems
R-410A is not a drop-in replacement for R-22. The refrigerants require compatible equipment, including pressure-rated components. Do not mix refrigerants or recharge an R-22 unit with R-410A. Ask the manufacturer and contractor whether an approved retrofit is feasible or replacement is appropriate.
Condo Heat Pumps With R-22
A condo replacement must match cabinet dimensions, capacity, controls, electrical supply and building connections. Identify the existing model before comparing a compatible chassis with full equipment replacement.
Condo Heat Pump Leak
Our technicians deal with Condo Heat Pump Leaks almost daily. If your heat pump system is diagnosed with refrigerant leaks while it is using R-22 refrigeration, we recommend you explore replacement options before proceeding with the repair. This is again because you may end up paying up to 50% cost of a new R410A heat pump chassis to repair your old system while you receive only a limited warranty on the service provided.
