Production and import of new R-22 in the United States ended on January 1, 2020. How can existing R-22 systems still be serviced?
Yes, using recovered, recycled or reclaimed R-22. The phaseout stopped new production and import. It did not ban existing systems or require anyone to replace them.
- Only by replacing the entire system with a new HFC system
- With any HFC added on top of the R-22 charge
- With recovered, recycled or reclaimed R-22Correct answer
- Only with R-22 imported under a special permit
Why “With recovered, recycled or reclaimed R-22” is correct
The phaseout stopped new production and import, not the use of existing R-22. Systems can keep running and be serviced with R-22 that has been recovered and recycled or reclaimed.
Source: EPA: Phaseout of Class II Ozone-Depleting Substances; 40 CFR 82.156(h); 40 CFR 82.154(d)
Why the other answers are wrong
- Only by replacing the entire system with a new HFC system — The phaseout does not force owners to replace working systems.
- With any HFC added on top of the R-22 charge — Topping off with a different refrigerant creates a mixture that is hard to reclaim and may damage the system.
- Only with R-22 imported under a special permit — There is no general import permit for servicing; new imports ended.
The source, word for word
No production or import of HCFC-142b and HCFC-22
Refrigerant may be returned to the appliance from which it is recovered or to another appliance owned by the same person without being recycled or reclaimed, unless the appliance is an MVAC or MVAC-like appliance.
Has been reclaimed by a person who has been certified as a reclaimer under § 82.164
The two dates
These come from the Class II phaseout schedule. Each cut production and import, not use.
| Date | What changed |
|---|---|
| January 1, 2010 | No production or import, except for use in equipment manufactured before that date |
| January 1, 2020 | No production or import |
What a technician still has to follow
Used R-22 going to a new owner generally has to be reclaimed first (40 CFR 82.154(d)). Buyers must still be certified (40 CFR 82.154(c)(1)). Do not top off an R-22 system with a different refrigerant, because mixing makes it hard to reclaim. Changing refrigerants means a planned retrofit.
Keep practicing
- Refrigerant types: CFC, HCFC, HFC and HFO
- Recover, recycle and reclaim compared
- Which family R-12 belongs to
- EPA 608 Core practice test
Unofficial, not affiliated with the EPA or any EPA-approved certifying organization. Questions are original practice written from public EPA material, not real exam questions.