Is R-22 hard to get?

R-22 is hard to get for most people, especially for uncertified consumers, because its production and import have been banned in developed countries since 2020 and only reclaimed supplies are available. For certified HVAC technicians with accounts at wholesale distributors, reclaimed R-22 can still be obtained but it is expensive and may require ordering, with limited stock on hand, especially during peak summer cooling season when many old systems leak and demand rises. For general homeowners without EPA Section 608 certification, it is very hard to get legally because regulations require certification to purchase refrigerant cylinders over 2 pounds and sellers must verify certification, and many retailers refuse to sell to public. Online listings may advertise R-22 but often require certification proof and charge high prices. As more R-22 systems are retired, less R-22 is recovered for reclamation, so supply continues to shrink and will become harder over time. In some rural areas or developing countries with later phase-out deadlines, R-22 may be easier to find, but globally trend is toward scarcity. If you need R-22, you typically need to hire a certified contractor who maintains reclaimed stock rather than buying it yourself.