HCFC-22 is being phased out according to the following schedule:
January 1, 2010:
Ban on production and import of HCFC-22 and HCFC-142b, except for ongoing service needs or existing equipment.
January 1, 2015:
Ban on sale and use of HCFC-22 and HCFC-142b, except for certain uses, including ongoing servicing needs of existing refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.
January 1, 2020:
Ban on remaining production and import of HCFC-22 and HCFC-142b.
After 2020, the servicing of systems that use R-22 or R-142b will rely on recovered or stockpiled quantities. It’s difficult to predict when these supplies will be depleted. Supplies may be available until almost all equipment containing R-22 or R-142b is retired. However, in the future, supplies will be more limited and costs of HCFC’s will likely rise.
For more information visit www.epa.gov/ozone.
