R-22 — GWP, safety class & UK F-Gas status
HCFC · single component. Banned · ozone-depleting under UK F-Gas rules — full readout, replacements and timeline below.
R-22
HCFC · single component
Compliant replacements for R-22
UK F-Gas phase-down timeline
Where the wider phase-down stands.
- 2015
R-22 servicing ban
No virgin or reclaimed HCFCs for servicing. The original ozone phase-out completes.
- 2020
High-GWP service ban
Virgin F-Gas with GWP of 2,500 or more banned for refrigeration of 40 tCO₂e or more — hits R-404A / R-507A.
- Jan 2025
New single-split ban
New single-split AC systems containing under 3 kg of F-gas cannot use refrigerants of 750 GWP or more (retained EU 517/2014, Annex III) — rules out R-410A and R-407C.
- 2030
Quota squeeze
The HFC quota drops to about 21% of the 2015 baseline and the reclaimed/recycled exemption for GWP 2,500+ servicing ends — R-404A / R-507A become effectively unavailable.
- 2032
Monobloc ban (EU)
EU Regulation 2024/573 bans F-gases in new self-contained / monobloc AC and heat pumps up to 12 kW. GB retains EU 517/2014 and has not adopted this step — DEFRA consulted on GB reform (closed Dec 2025), response due 2026.
- 2035
Split ban (EU)
EU Regulation 2024/573 bans F-gases in new split AC and heat pumps up to 12 kW. Not yet GB law — GB still follows retained EU 517/2014 pending the delayed HFC phase-down reform.
Frequently asked questions about R-22
Is R-22 banned in the UK?
Ozone-depleting HCFC. No virgin or reclaimed refrigerant has been available for servicing since 2015 — remaining systems must be replaced or retrofitted.
What is R-22's GWP (Global Warming Potential)?
R-22 has a GWP of 1,810 on an AR4 basis — above the 750 GWP new-split limit but below the 2,500 GWP service-ban threshold.
What replaces R-22?
Compliant replacements for R-22 are R-407C and R-449A.
Is R-22 flammable?
R-22 is ASHRAE 34 safety class A1. It is classed non-flammable (A1/B1).