Freon22

Freon 22, commonly known by its refrigerant designation R-22, is chlorodifluoromethane, a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) used primarily as a refrigerant in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. It is a colorless, odorless gas at room temperature, with low acute toxicity in unconfined use. R-22 is non-flammable (ASHRAE safety classification A1). In enclosed spaces, it can act as an asphyxiant at high concentrations.

R-22 boils at about -40.8°C at sea level and has a global warming potential of about 1,810 over 100 years. It also has an ozone depletion potential of about 0.055. Because of its chlorine content, R-22 contributes to stratospheric ozone depletion.

Historically, R-22 was widely used in vapor-compression refrigeration equipment, particularly in air conditioners for homes and commercial buildings. With the adoption of the Montreal Protocol, production and consumption of R-22 has been progressively reduced in many countries, and new equipment is designed to use alternative refrigerants. Existing systems containing R-22 may continue to operate, but servicing typically requires refrigerant recovery and reclamation. In many regions, the production and import of R-22 for new equipment has ceased, and legacy stock is recycled or disposed of under regulatory controls.

Common alternatives include hydrofluorocarbon blends like R-410A and R-407C, or newer low-GWP options such as R-32 or hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs). From a safety perspective, proper handling, leak prevention, and adherence to environmental regulations are essential. R-22 remains in use in older installations and can still be recovered and reused during servicing, though its availability for new designs is decreasing.