Modern air conditioning units no longer use Freon to help keep homes comfortable during the warm summer months. That transition came relatively recently, ending a decades-long reliance.

So, what happened to Freon? Does your AC unit still use it?

So... What Exactly Is Freon?

The earliest air conditioning units and refrigerators sprouted up in the late 1800s and relied on a combination of methyl chloride, sulfur dioxide, and ammonia. Each of these gases alone is toxic, but combined, leaks were commonly lethal. They weren’t the sort of appliances families might have welcomed into their homes, even if they had electricity. Freon became one of the most commonly used gas in both air conditioners and refrigerators.

"Freon" is a trade name originally registered by The Chemours Company (formerly part of DuPont) for a class of halocarbon-based refrigerants used in air conditioning, refrigeration, and aerosol propellants. It was invented in 1928 by Thomas Midgley, Jr. and Charles Franklin Kettering. Scientifically, Freon typically refers to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)—both are organic compounds containing carbon, chlorine, fluorine, and sometimes hydrogen. 

Common Examples of Freon:

  • CFC-12 (Dichlorodifluoromethane, CF₂Cl₂)
  • HCFC-22 (Chlorodifluoromethane, CHClF₂)

How Do I Know if My AC Uses Freon?

Here are four ways to tell whether your air conditioning unit uses Freon:

  1. Check the Appliance Label -- Most refrigerators have a nameplate or sticker—often located inside the fridge compartment (side wall or ceiling) or on the back of the unit behind the toe grille or near the compressor. One popular model was the 'Freon Aircon. Look for terms like "refrigerant" followed by a code like R-12, R-134a, or R-600a. 
    • R-12: This is a type of CFC Freon, mostly found in older models (pre-1995).
    • R-134a: This is an HFC, a newer, non-ozone-depleting Freon alternative (used from ~1995–2020).
    • R-600a (Isobutane): This is a non-Freon hydrocarbon refrigerant, common in newer energy-efficient refrigerators.
  2. Check the Manufacturing Date – If your refrigerator was made before 1995, it likely uses Freon R-12.
  3. Look at the Compressor or Lines – Some refrigerators have a small label on the compressor or refrigerant line near the back. It may list the refrigerant type, pressure specs, or even “CFC-Free” if applicable.
  4. Refer to the User Manual – If you happen to still have the owner's manual, you can look for the refrigerant type in the specifications or technical section.

If Not Freon, What Goes Into an Air Conditioner to Make It Cold?

Air conditioners work by using a refrigerant—a chemical compound that can absorb and release heat efficiently—as it cycles through a closed-loop system. This system includes components like the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator coil. When the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor evaporator coil, it absorbs heat from your home’s air, cooling it before the air is circulated back into your living space. The warmed refrigerant then travels to the outdoor condenser coil, where it releases the absorbed heat and changes back into a liquid. This process repeats continually, making refrigerant the essential ingredient that enables your air conditioner to cool your home. According to the EPA, only certified technicians may handle refrigerants due to their environmental impact.

Need help with your AC unit? Call your local One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning for professional air conditioning services. 

When Was Freon Banned?

The U.S. began phasing out Freon (specifically CFC-12 and HCFC-22) in the 1990s due to its ozone-depleting effects. Under the Montreal Protocol, the U.S. EPA banned the production and import of CFC-based Freon in 1996. HCFC-22 (commonly known as R-22) was banned for new systems in 2010, and its production and import were fully halted in 2020. Although existing systems using these refrigerants can still be serviced, they require recycled or reclaimed Freon. The long phasing-out process came to its conclusion on January 1, 2020. All Freon production is now banned in the United States, and it’s also illegal to import the product into the country.

Why Does the Government Keep Banning Refrigerant?

Refrigerants are regulated based on two major concerns:

  • Ozone Layer Depletion: Older refrigerants like CFCs and HCFCs release chlorine into the upper atmosphere, breaking down ozone molecules.
  • Global Warming Potential (GWP): Newer HFCs like R-134a don't harm ozone but act as potent greenhouse gases.

To protect both the ozone layer and climate, governments shift to refrigerants with lower environmental impacts. These regulations help move the industry toward more sustainable solutions, such as hydrocarbons (R-600a) and HFOs.

Do Car Air Conditioning Units Still Use Freon?

Like air conditioning units, auto manufacturers stopped using Freon, as well. The last cars and trucks to use it rolled off the lines in 2010. Older vehicles used R-12 Freon, but this was banned in 1996. Most cars made after that use R-134a, which is a type of Freon but without ozone-depleting properties. Newer models (especially post-2015) are transitioning to R-1234yf, a refrigerant with a lower global warming potential.

If your car AC isn’t blowing cold air, it could be low on refrigerant due to a leak. Only certified auto technicians can refill or service car AC systems legally, since refrigerants are controlled substances.

What Do Air Conditions Use Instead of Freon? 

Today, and since 2015, a new refrigerant called R410A, or Puron, is used as the standard replacement for Freon.

While most American homes have already transitioned away from Freon, those that haven’t will still be able to use limited stockpiles still allowed in the US, or they can opt for recycled Freon to keep their homes cool. Air conditioner manufacturers are allowed to recycle used Freon to keep older air conditioning units running. Older units may need Freon to replace fluid lost to leaks or deterioration.

Is Freon Why My Window AC Unit Keeps Freezing Up?

A window AC unit may freeze up due to:

  • Low refrigerant (possible Freon leak)
  • Dirty air filters or coils
  • Poor airflow
  • Thermostat or sensor issues

Freon could be the culprit, but first check whether your unit actually runs on Freon or some other type of refrigerant. You can tell by checking the appliance label, manufacturing date, compressor or owners manual. When Freon levels are low, pressure in the evaporator coil drops, causing condensation to freeze instead of evaporate. A frozen unit won’t cool properly and can damage the compressor. If you suspect a refrigerant issue, contact an HVAC technician—handling refrigerant without certification is unsafe and illegal.

Don’t Worry, You Don’t Have to Replace Your AC 

Homeowners are not obligated to replace their air conditioning unit if it still uses Freon. In most cases, homes with Freon can have their systems updated with alternatives to Freon. Our technicians can help you determine if your air conditioning unit has already been updated.

If you want to know how to tell if your AC unit uses Freon, it’s simple: Check the large white weatherproof label on the front of your AC unit. All systems using Freon will be labeled as containing HCFC-22 or R-22; the two names of modern Freon. Alternatively, if your system has been updated with Puron, the more environmentally friendly refrigerant, the label would have been updated by your HVAC technician to read R-410A.

Stay Cool and Stay Healthy with One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning

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