11 Feb 2026

If your air conditioning system was installed before 2015, there's a good chance it runs on R-22 refrigerant (also known as HCFC-22 or by the brand name Freon). And if it does, you need to be aware of a significant change that's affecting the cost and availability of this refrigerant across the Caribbean and the world.

R-22 is being phased out under the Montreal Protocol due to its ozone-depleting properties. This isn't a future event — it's happening now, and it directly impacts every R-22 system still in operation.

What's Actually Happening

The Montreal Protocol, which Trinidad and Tobago and virtually all Caribbean nations have signed, mandates the phase-out of HCFC refrigerants including R-22. The timeline has been progressing in stages:

  • Production and import of new R-22 has been severely restricted and is declining to zero.
  • Only recycled or reclaimed R-22 remains available in most markets.
  • Supply is tightening year by year, and prices are rising accordingly.

What this means in practical terms: R-22 is becoming scarce and expensive. The 50-lb cylinder that cost a fraction of what it does today a few years ago has seen substantial price increases, and this trend will continue as supply dwindles.

What This Means for Your System

If Your System Uses R-22 and Is Working Fine

You don't need to panic. There's no law requiring you to remove a working R-22 system. You can continue to operate it as long as it functions. The issue arises when:

  • You develop a refrigerant leak and need to top up — R-22 will be increasingly expensive and potentially unavailable.
  • Your compressor fails and needs replacement — finding an R-22 compressor becomes harder every year.
  • A major component fails — at some point, the repair cost of an R-22 system exceeds the cost of replacing it with a modern unit.

If Your System Uses R-22 and Needs Repair

This is where the decision gets critical. Before approving an expensive repair on an R-22 system, consider:

  • Age of the system — if it's 12+ years old, you're likely approaching the end of its efficient lifespan regardless of the refrigerant issue.
  • Cost of the repair vs. replacement — if the repair costs more than 40–50% of a new system, replacement is almost certainly the better investment.
  • Future repair likelihood — older systems tend to have cascading failures. Fixing one component often reveals or causes problems in the next.

Your Options

Option 1: Replace the System (Recommended for Most)

For systems that are 10+ years old, or that need a major repair (compressor, condenser coil, etc.), replacing with a new R-410A system is usually the best long-term decision.

Benefits:

  • Modern efficiency — a new inverter unit using R-410A will consume 30–50% less electricity than your old R-22 system. In the Caribbean, where AC runs year-round, the energy savings alone can pay for the new system within a few years.
  • No refrigerant availability concerns — R-410A is the current standard and is widely available and competitively priced.
  • Better humidity control — modern systems manage Caribbean humidity far more effectively than older designs.
  • Warranty coverage — new equipment comes with manufacturer warranties. Your 15-year-old R-22 unit has none.

We carry R-410A systems from LG, Gree, Coldwave, and Carrier across all residential and commercial capacities.

Option 2: Drop-In Refrigerant Alternatives

Several refrigerant blends have been developed as "drop-in" or "near-drop-in" replacements for R-22, meaning they can be used in existing R-22 equipment with minimal or no modifications. These include:

  • R-407C — one of the most common R-22 alternatives. Requires a lubricant change from mineral oil to POE (polyolester) oil. Not a true drop-in but widely used as a retrofit option.
  • R-425A — designed as a closer drop-in for R-22 in certain applications.
  • R-406A — another R-22 alternative available in our inventory.

Important cautions about drop-in refrigerants:

  • Cooling capacity may differ from R-22 — your system may cool slightly less effectively.
  • Operating pressures differ — some alternative refrigerants run at higher pressures, which may stress older components.
  • Lubricant compatibility must be addressed — mixing the wrong oil with the wrong refrigerant damages compressors.
  • Not all manufacturers approve retrofitting their equipment — this may void any remaining warranty.

Drop-in alternatives are best viewed as a bridge solution — extending the useful life of a system that's otherwise in good condition while you plan for eventual replacement.

Option 3: Continue with R-22 (Short-Term Only)

If your system is working well and doesn't have a leak, you can continue to operate it with its existing R-22 charge. No refrigerant is consumed during normal operation — it circulates in a sealed system. You only need additional refrigerant if there's a leak.

We still stock R-22 refrigerant and will continue to carry it while supply allows. However, we can't guarantee long-term availability or pricing stability, as these are subject to global supply constraints.

For HVAC Technicians: Managing the Transition

If you're servicing R-22 systems, here are practical considerations:

  • Advise customers proactively. When you service an R-22 system, inform the customer about the phase-out. They should know before an emergency repair forces a rushed decision.
  • Stock transitional refrigerants. Having R-407C and other alternatives on hand lets you offer customers options when their R-22 system needs refrigerant.
  • Recover and reclaim. Recovered R-22 is increasingly valuable. Proper recovery during system decommissioning is both environmentally responsible and economically sensible.
  • Build R-410A expertise. If you haven't already, invest in training and tools for R-410A systems. These require different handling — higher pressures, different oil types, and specific service equipment.

What We Carry

Servair stocks a complete range of refrigerants to support systems in any phase of this transition:

  • R-22 — while supplies last, for maintenance of existing systems
  • R-410A — the current standard for new residential and light commercial systems
  • R-407C, R-406A, R-425A — transition alternatives for R-22 retrofit projects
  • R-134A, R-404A, R-507C — for refrigeration applications

We also carry the compressors, expansion valves, filter driers, and controls needed for both new R-410A installations and R-22 system retrofits.

Questions about your R-22 system? Need refrigerant or planning a system upgrade? Contact Servair at 1 (868) 658-1910 or WhatsApp 1 (868) 374-7295. We'll help you navigate the transition.