What is R22 refrigerant?
R22 (chlorodifluoromethane) is an older hydrochlorofluorocarbon refrigerant once common in air conditioners, now being phased out because it depletes the ozone layer. Systems that run on it need special handling and are increasingly costly to service.
R22 is the common name for chlorodifluoromethane, a refrigerant that was widely used in split-type and window air conditioners for decades. Many aircon units installed in Singapore homes before the mid-2000s were charged with it, including a good number of older condos and HDB flats across Yishun.
R22 is being phased out because it contains chlorine and damages the ozone layer. Under the Montreal Protocol, production and import of R22 are being cut back in stages, with the final phase-out for new supply set for 2030 in developed countries. Because of this, the gas is getting scarcer and more expensive to buy, even though existing stock can still be used for servicing.
This matters most for older units. R22 systems are not compatible with newer refrigerants such as R32 or R410A without major changes, so a unit that develops a leak or needs a recharge usually cannot simply be topped up with a modern gas. Technicians have to recover and handle R22 under proper procedures, and some owners find that replacing an aged unit makes more sense than keeping an R22 system running.
If you are unsure which refrigerant your unit uses, the label on the outdoor condenser or the service record will usually say. A licensed aircon repair provider in Yishun can confirm the refrigerant type during an inspection.
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