On 30 Jun 2006 05:03:53 -0700, "
wrote:

Yesterday I heard that come 2010 not that far away the old bad for
ozone layer refrigeant cant be produced anymore, illegal.

Now certinally some will be in stock.

But for a poster considering a NEW system, not being able to buy at a
reasonable cost refrigeant may be a deal maker.

Whats the details on this?


http://www.epa.gov/Ozone/title6/phas...2phaseout.html



Phaseout Schedule for HCFCs Including R-22

Under the terms of the Montreal Protocol, the U.S. agreed to meet
certain obligations by specific dates that will affect the residential
heat pump and air-conditioning industry:

January 1, 2004:
In accordance with the terms of the Montreal Protocol, the amount
of all HCFCs that can be produced nationwide must be reduced by 35% by
2004. In order to achieve this goal, the U.S. is ceasing production of
HCFC-141b, the most ozone-damaging of this class of chemicals, on
January 1, 2003. This production ban will greatly reduce nationwide
use of HCFCs as a group, making it likely that the 2004 deadline will
have a minimal effect on R-22 supplies.

January 1, 2010:
After 2010, chemical manufacturers may still produce R-22 to
service existing equipment, but not for use in new equipment. As a
result, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system
manufacturers will only be able to use pre-existing supplies of R-22
to produce new air conditioners and heat pumps. These existing
supplies would include R-22 recovered from existing equipment and
recycled.

January 1, 2020:
Use of existing refrigerant, including refrigerant that has been
recovered and recycled, will be allowed beyond 2020 to service
existing systems, but chemical manufacturers will no longer be able to
produce R-22 to service existing air conditioners and heat pumps.