Is R22 hard to find?

R-22 is becoming hard to find, especially virgin R-22, because production and import have been banned in developed countries since 2020, and only reclaimed and recycled supplies are available. For certified HVAC technicians who have relationships with wholesale suppliers, reclaimed R-22 is still findable but expensive and in limited quantities, often requiring ordering and not always in stock at local stores. For general consumers without certification, it is very hard to find legally because EPA regulations require Section 608 certification to purchase refrigerant in cylinders over small amounts, and many retailers will not sell to uncertified individuals. In summer peak season when many old R-22 systems leak, demand spikes and shortages occur, making it harder to find. In some rural areas or developing countries where phase-out is slower, R-22 may still be more readily available. Online marketplaces may list R-22 but often at inflated prices and with certification verification. As more R-22 systems are retired and replaced with R-410A or R-454B systems, less R-22 is recovered, so supply will continue to shrink, making it increasingly hard to find over time. If you need R-22, contact a certified HVAC contractor who maintains reclaimed stock.