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More information on HCFCs
Although there are 34 currently controlled HCFCs, only a few are commonly used. This page lists how those HCFCs are used. These uses will be restricted as the phaseout of HCFCs continues. All non-refrigerant uses of HCFC-22 and HCFC-142b are banned as of January 1, 2010. Likewise, all non-refrigerant uses of HCFC-123 and HCFC-124, HCFC-225ca, and HCFC-225cb are banned as of January 1, 2015. EPA continues to evaluate alternatives to HCFCs through its Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program.
- HCFC-22: used as a refrigerant in several applications such as unitary air conditioners, cold storage, retail food refrigeration equipment, chillers, and industrial process refrigeration. Also used (in smaller quantities) as a blowing agent for certain foam applications and as a propellant in aerosols.
- HCFC-141b: historically used as a blowing agent in rigid polyurethane foams and integral skim foams and in aerosol solvent cleaning applications. Phased out in 2003; however, existing stockpiles and amounts produced under an exemption for specific applications are allowed.
- HCFC-142b: used as a blowing agent in extruded polystyrene boardstock. Also used in small quantities in refrigerant blends as a retrofit refrigerant for applications such as motor vehicle air conditioners that previously used CFC-12.
- HCFC-123: used in centrifugal chillers and portable fire extinguishers.
- HCFC-124: used in some sterilant mixtures and as a mixture component in some CFC-12 drop-in replacements. Replaces CFC-114 in some heat pumps and special air conditioning equipment.
- HCFC-225ca and HCFC-225cb: used as a solvent, an aerosol solvent, and in small quantities in the adhesives, coatings, and inks sector. HCFC-225 ca/cb is a mixture of the two isomers HCFC-225ca and HCFC-225cb typically in a 45/55% by weight ratio.
- HCFC-21: used as a refrigerant in highly specialized cooling loops.