R-22 (often called by the brand name “Freon”) was the standard residential refrigerant for decades. The EPA banned new R-22 production in the U.S. on January 1, 2020 due to its ozone-depletion potential.
What this means for Colorado homeowners
If your AC was installed before about 2010, it likely uses R-22. Existing systems can continue running, but:
- R-22 refrigerant is now $100-$200 per pound when available (vs. ~$5-$10/lb in 2010)
- A leak repair + 4 lb recharge can run $800-$1,500
- Supply is intermittent — sometimes simply unavailable
- Equipment using R-22 cannot be retrofitted to newer refrigerants without major modifications
R-22 = Replacement Signal
If your R-22 AC needs more than a minor repair, replacement is almost always the smarter spend. A new SEER2 16 unit cuts your summer electric bill 30-50%, qualifies for a current Xcel rebate (confirmed at quote time — see our rebate tracker), and ends the R-22 surprise-bill cycle.
Related: Refrigerant, R-410A. See also: AC replacement.
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Right Way Mechanical is a family-owned HVAC contractor serving Wheat Ridge, Arvada, west Denver, and the Colorado foothills.