Why is R-22 being phased out?

R-22 is being phased out primarily due to its ozone-depleting properties. This refrigerant contains chlorodifluoromethane, which is a type of hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC). The chlorine in HCFCs has been shown to significantly contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer when released into the atmosphere. The ozone layer is crucial for protecting life on Earth by absorbing the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Efforts to phase out substances that harm the ozone layer began with the Montreal Protocol in 1987, which is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the use of ozone-depleting substances. R-22 was identified as one of these substances, leading to regulations that limit its production and use.

While cost and efficiency can be important factors in the choice of refrigerants, these were not the primary reasons for the phase-out of R-22. Its impact on the environment, particularly its contribution to ozone depletion, is the driving force behind its discontinuation in favor of more environmentally friendly alternatives.