What type of refrigerant is being phased out due to environmental concerns?

The refrigerant being phased out due to environmental concerns is R-22, commonly known as Freon. R-22 has been widely used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems; however, it is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC). HCFCs, including R-22, have been found to deplete the ozone layer, contributing to environmental damage. As a result, international agreements, such as the Montreal Protocol, have set regulations for the phasedown and eventual elimination of ozone-depleting substances.

Since January 1, 2020, the production and import of R-22 have been banned in the United States, pushing the industry towards alternative refrigerants that have a lower impact on the environment, such as R-410A and R-32. These alternatives do not contain chlorine, making them less harmful to the ozone layer.

In summary, R-22 is being phased out primarily due to its adverse effects on the ozone layer, making it crucial for HVAC professionals to transition to more environmentally friendly refrigerants for new systems and retrofitting existing ones.