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Does my air conditioner use R-22?

If your air conditioner or heat pump was made before 2010, it almost certainly uses R-22 refrigerant (sometimes sold as Freon). New systems built from 2010 use R-410A or newer refrigerants. Find your AC's age from the serial number.

How to check

• Look at the data plate on the outdoor unit: it lists the refrigerant type ("R-22" or "HCFC-22", or "R-410A").
• Decode the serial number. Made before 2010 means R-22 in almost every case. Units made in 2010 can be either, so check the plate.

Why it matters

The US stopped producing and importing R-22 at the start of 2020 to protect the ozone layer. Systems can still be serviced with recycled or stockpiled R-22, but it is scarce and expensive. If an older R-22 system develops a leak, replacing the system is often better value than recharging it, especially if it is past 12 to 15 years old.

You don't have to replace a working R-22 system. It just means planning ahead.