Cost of R-22 Freon: Is it Worth It? | SS&B

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Is It Time to Upgrade Your R-22 HVAC System? Insights from SS&B Heating & Cooling

If your home’s air conditioning or heat pump system was installed before 2010, it likely relies on R-22 refrigerant, commonly known as Freon®. At SS&B Heating & Cooling in Springfield, MO, we’ve seen the challenges of maintaining these aging systems as R-22 becomes increasingly scarce and expensive. With environmental regulations tightening and our R-22 supply nearly depleted, we strongly advise against recharging R-22 systems in most cases. In this article, we’ll explore why R-22 is being phased out, our strict policies on handling R-22 at SS&B, the high costs associated with it, and why upgrading to a modern, eco-friendly HVAC system is the best choice for Springfield homeowners.

Why Was R-22 Banned?

R-22 refrigerant was once the standard for residential cooling, but its environmental impact led to its phaseout. R-22 has a high global warming potential (GWP), contributing to climate change, and is an ozone-depleting substance (ODS) that harms the Earth’s protective ozone layer. Through the Montreal Protocol, the United States committed to phasing out R-22 to reduce environmental harm. The phaseout began in 2003 with reductions in production and imports, followed by a ban on manufacturing new R-22 systems in 2010. The final step came on January 1, 2020, when the EPA banned all production and importation of R-22. Today, only recycled or reclaimed R-22 from retired systems is available, and that supply is rapidly dwindling.

SS&B’s R-22 Policy: Why We Rarely Recharge

At SS&B Heating & Cooling, we are almost entirely out of R-22 and are no longer purchasing it due to its scarcity, cost, and environmental impact. We’re surprised we made it through the summer of 2025 with any R-22 left, and that’s only because we’ve used it sparingly, reserving it for specific emergency scenarios. Before long, we expect to be completely out of R-22, aligning with the industry’s shift away from this outdated refrigerant.

We only add R-22 in very limited cases, such as:

When a system is only 1–3 pounds low, and the customer is either getting a replacement bid or is already a Comfort Club maintenance customer with SS&B.
Occasionally, if a customer has an upcoming installation scheduled, we may add 1–2 pounds to keep their system running until the new unit is installed.

If a system is extremely low or requires more than 3 pounds of R-22, we do not accommodate that level of recharge. Additionally, we do not perform major refrigerant-related repairs on R-22 systems, such as compressor replacements, coil repairs, deep coil cleanings, or leak repairs. Parts for these systems are often obsolete, difficult to source, or prohibitively expensive. We also do not service systems that have undergone “drop-in” conversions to other refrigerants, as these can lead to performance issues and further complications.

The High Cost of R-22 Refrigerant

Recharging an R-22 system is a costly endeavor, especially given our limited supply at SS&B Heating & Cooling. Our pricing for summer 2025, which includes labor and is subject to change, is as follows:

First pound: $209.17
Each additional pound: $202.92
Trip fee: Typically $95

For service calls outside the Springfield, MO, local communities, please contact us for specific pricing. Please note that these prices cannot be guaranteed, as R-22 costs fluctuate due to market scarcity. For example, a system requiring 3 pounds of R-22 could cost over $600, including the trip fee, for local Springfield customers. If your system has a leak, that expensive refrigerant could leak out again, making the recharge a temporary and costly fix. “We’ve seen Springfield homeowners spend hundreds on R-22 only to face the same issue a few months later,” says our lead technician at SS&B. “That money is better spent on a new, efficient system that won’t break the bank to maintain.

Why SS&B Doesn’t Recommend Recharging R-22 Systems

At SS&B Heating & Cooling, we align with industry leaders like Trane in strongly advising against recharging R-22 systems, primarily due to their age and obsolescence. R-22 systems are at least 16 years old as of 2025, as the last units were manufactured in 2009 or earlier. With an average lifespan of 15 years for air conditioners and heat pumps, most R-22 systems in Springfield homes are well past their prime. Here’s why recharging isn’t a smart choice:

Aging Equipment and Declining Efficiency: Older systems lose efficiency over time, leading to higher energy bills. Worn-out components like compressors, coils, and fans struggle to cool your home effectively. Recharging may restore cooling temporarily, but it doesn’t address the underlying wear that leads to frequent breakdowns.
Obsolete Parts and Compatibility Issues: Parts for R-22 systems are increasingly hard to find, and new components often aren’t fully compatible with older technology. This results in makeshift repairs that don’t last. “We see this constantly in Springfield,” notes our SS&B team. “Fixing one part often leads to another failure because the system is simply too old.”
Environmental Harm: R-22 is ozone-depleting and contributes significantly to environmental harm, which is why it’s been permanently phased out. Recharging a leaking system releases harmful substances into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change and ozone depletion. At SS&B, we’re committed to environmentally responsible practices, which is another reason we limit R-22 use.
High Costs, Temporary Fixes: With R-22 costing over $200 per pound, recharging is an expensive stopgap. For a system that’s already outdated and prone to failure, spending hundreds or thousands on refrigerant is rarely a wise investment.
Two Generations Behind: With R-410A now also being phased out, R-22 systems are two generations behind modern technology. New systems use R-454B, which has a 78% lower GWP than R-410A and is designed for efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Alternatives to R-22: The Path Forward

Switching an R-22 system to a newer refrigerant isn’t an option, as HVAC systems are designed to work with one specific refrigerant. Using a different refrigerant can damage the system, reduce efficiency, and is illegal without proper certification and equipment modifications. The original replacement for R-22 was R-410A, but it’s also being phased out due to its environmental impact. The latest standard for new systems is R-454B, which is far less harmful to the environment and offers superior efficiency. At SS&B Heating & Cooling, we install cutting-edge systems designed for R-454B, ensuring Springfield homeowners have access to the most sustainable and reliable technology available.

Why Upgrading Your HVAC System Is the Best Choice

Given the challenges of maintaining an R-22 system, SS&B Heating & Cooling recommends replacing it with a modern unit. Here’s why upgrading makes sense for Springfield homeowners:

Energy Savings: Modern HVAC systems using R-454B are significantly more efficient than R-22 units, reducing your energy bills by cooling your home more effectively with less power.
Environmental Responsibility: Upgrading to an R-454B system supports global efforts to protect the ozone layer and combat climate change, aligning with SS&B’s commitment to sustainability.
Reliability and Peace of Mind: New systems come with warranties, modern components, and advanced technology, minimizing the risk of breakdowns and costly repairs.
Increased Home Value: A new, energy-efficient HVAC system can boost your home’s value, especially as energy efficiency becomes a key factor for Springfield homebuyers.
Long-Term Savings: While a new system requires an upfront investment, it’s often more cost-effective than repeatedly repairing an R-22 unit. High refrigerant costs, frequent service calls, and rising energy bills make old systems a financial burden.

Plan Your HVAC Upgrade with SS&B Heating & Cooling

If your Springfield home has an R-22 system, now is the time to plan for a replacement. At SS&B Heating & Cooling, we’re here to make the process seamless. Schedule a consultation with our experienced team, and we’ll assess your current system, discuss your cooling needs, and recommend the best options for your home and budget. We’ll help you select models with high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER2) ratings for maximum energy savings and inform you about potential rebates or tax incentives to offset the cost.

Final Thoughts from SS&B Heating & Cooling

Maintaining an R-22 system in 2025 is a losing battle—high costs, limited refrigerant availability, and environmental harm make recharging an unsustainable choice. At SS&B Heating & Cooling, our strict policy of limiting R-22 use to emergencies reflects our commitment to helping Springfield homeowners make smart, long-term decisions. With R-22 systems two generations behind and our supply nearly gone, we encourage you to invest in a modern, energy-efficient system using R-454B. You’ll save on energy bills, enjoy greater reliability, and contribute to a healthier planet.

"Our goal is to keep Springfield MO homes comfortable and efficient without relying on outdated technology,” says the SS&B Heating & Cooling team. “Upgrading your R-22 system is an investment in your home’s future.” Let us help you transition to a new system that meets your needs and aligns with modern standards."

Ready to upgrade your HVAC system? Contact SS&B Heating & Cooling in Springfield, MO, today to schedule a consultation to learn more about our services and explore your options.

Let’s keep your home cool, comfortable, and eco-friendly for years to come!