What is Freon? Is Freon Illegal?

Austin takes a simple look at Freon, what Freon is, what it does, where it goes, and if Freon is becoming illegal.

"Freon" is a brand name for refrigerants, traditionally R-11, R-12, and R-22. However, it has recently been used to refer to refrigerants as a whole (much like how we call bandages "Band-Aids").

The first Freon product was R-12, which was introduced as a non-toxic, non-flammable alternative to other refrigerants at the time (like ammonia). Eventually, R-12 was banned because it was made of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are destructive to the environment.

The next major Freon product was R-22, which contained hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) instead of CFCs. However, the chlorine in R-22 has been proven to be destructive to the ozone layer, and R-22's ozone depletion potential (ODP) is above 0. As a result, R-22 can no longer be imported or manufactured in the USA as of 2020 due to its depletion of the ozone layer.

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrofluoro-olefins (HFOs) do NOT deplete the ozone layer (they have ODPs of 0), as they don't have chlorine. These refrigerant types have stepped up to replace R-22. Newer regulations will focus on global warming potential (GWP), as some HFCs have high GWPs.

If an HVAC technician has to "add Freon" to a system, then it's very likely because the system has a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant doesn't get "used up." The only reasons why it would need replacement would be if it were contaminated (such as by acid) or if there is a leak.

[ss]

This kid is great. He will go far. . . . .
Keep it up, great video and content.

[hozerhvac]

This guy is awsome. Great editing skills and awsome in front of a camera. Keep up the good work lad your killing it !!!!

[wmpetroff]

A simple, good quick informative video. Austin was just fine. Thank you. I am still very curious though if a/c was similar in comfort back in like 1910ish. I realize ofcoarse improvements have happened. I roomed in a 130yo mini mansion at WDC and thought often about ac back then.

[AndyHoltOutdoorUniversity]

Way to go Austin! Can’t wait to see more of this type of presentation. I loved it!

[sirisinclear]

Im not good at english but i can understand this well
Thank you bro👍

[garretbellah]

Wow when I'm on a roof everyday I usually say wow I'm glad ALL my calls could just be fixed with "freon" 🤣

[carryoutflame]

my ac just leaked all its freon in my basement if i go in there tomorrow is it going to be gone?

[HerbQuest]

Came here from an Erowid article btw. Anyone else here from Erowid?

[Sctronic]

Austin is going places👍👍👍 great video.

[garyoconnordbaairrepair]

Freon is DuPont’s name for their refrigerant. All other companies can only call there refrigerants refrigerants.

[shin]

Freon? He was a good man, tortured by the boltons, and his last name was I think Greyjoy

[wandameadows]

Freon Molecules are 4x heavier than Oxygen Molecules & can not float to the upper atmosphere. Claiming Freon reaches the Ozone Layer is like saying a Brick can Float.

[ScoobyJoobyJew]

R-22 will be available for years. No new production is allowed, however reclaimed will be legal for years.

[MegaMeco]

And here I am thinking Freon is a gas on the periodic table lol

[cognac]

We have to start harvesting and creating our own alkene under a shade tree kiddo

[henryrobinson]

let the old man talk, son you aint even got a clue

[bradmironik]

I laugh when the average Joe talks about how their system needed some Freon, as if they understand what it is. It's just a refrigerant!

[coldfingersub]

Time to make a new video, what are A2L. What are flammable refrigerant and why did the EPA take away our R410 and now CO2 and R32

[zekenzy]

that's kid future HVAC Technician ^_^

[bulvinescatologist]

Now if you open up a bottle of Freon you can see the gas fall to the ground as it is heavy. I toke a class on the ozone in our atmosphere. The first area around Earth is called the Troposphere. This is where all the weather takes place. OK.
The next layer is the Stratosphere . Now this is a dead zone. OK. The next layer is the Ionosphere. This too is a dead zone. Now a dead zone means there is no wind or any type of weather. Just a dead zone. OK . The Ionosphere is where the " Ozone" lives . Ok. The Freon gas destroys this Ozone that protects the Earth. Ok. So we must be very carful about the use of Freon gas & this is why Freon destroys the Ozone Ok.
So there was a questions at the end of this speech. I raised my hand up five mins later he pointed to me for my question. So let me understand this story better. The first area is the "Troposphere" & this is where all the weather takes place? He say that is correct. The next is the Stratosphere & that is a dead zone ? The next area is the Ionosphere & this is a dead zone as well. That is correct. So Can you tell me how this heavy gas monodicloraldifloride can get up through two dead zones & destroy the ozone. You now could hear a pen drop at this meeting & every one when home Not one word was said not one said anything to me or any one else. I know i am not the brightest person out here & I was 20 years old when I graduated from Hight school. But the school system is that dumb. This is why I do not believe in any thing . I do not believe that I exist. Why you may ask ? I know I exist . There is a big difference. I know or I don't know. I only believe in what I ca do till I prove to myself I can't. Please Ponders this some. The Bulvine Scatologist.
I try to know my Shit.