A. Freon is a brand name of the DuPont Corporation for the refrigerant gas that makes refrigeration systems work. There are different types of refrigerant, but the most common one used in residential units is refrigerant 22. Production of refrigerant 22 is regulated by international controls under the Montreal Protocol and in the United Sates by the Environmental Protection Agency. It has a long life ahead of it as it is scheduled to be in production until the year 2020, and should be around several years after that because of the inventory that most manufacturers will have at that time. The EPA requires recovery of all refrigerants for recycling purposes, which should also help provide for an adequate supply of Freon.
Manufacturers can no longer use Freon in air conditioners.
No more Freon can be manufactured. Most manufacturers have or are in the process of developing new products utilizing alternative refrigerants that do not harm the earth s ozone. Some of these products are available today. Call your favorite BHCB member for details. Both the Original Equipment Manufactures and the members of the BHCB suggest you have your heating and cooling equipment checked twice annually.