Which refrigerant is being phased out due to environmental concerns?

The refrigerant that is being phased out due to environmental concerns is R-22. This refrigerant, a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), has been identified as contributing to ozone depletion, which poses significant risks to the environment. The phase-out is part of a broader effort to reduce substances that harm the ozone layer, following international agreements such as the Montreal Protocol.

Starting in 2010, the production and import of R-22 for new equipment have been banned in the United States, and a complete phase-out is planned, which encourages the transition to more environmentally friendly alternatives. While other options like HFCs are also facing scrutiny due to their global warming potential, R-22 specifically deals with ozone depletion issues, making it a primary target for phase-out actions.

Refrigerants like R-410A and R-134a have their own environmental impact but are not being phased out in the same manner as R-22. R-410A is a blend of HFCs and is considered more environmentally friendly in terms of ozone depletion, while R-134a is also an HFC that has been targeted for reduction due to its high global warming potential, but it is not being phased out in the same timeline as