The phase-out of Freon in refrigerators began in 1996 with the signing of the Montreal Protocol. This international treaty banned the production and use of a number of ozone-depleting chemicals, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are used as coolants in refrigerators.
In the United States, CFCs were commonly used in aerosmer products such as spray cans and insulation, as well as in industrial applications such as chillers and cleaning solvents. CFCs are also known by the brand name Freon.
The production of CFCs was phased out under the terms of the Montreal Protocol, and substitutes for CFCs have been found for most applications. For example, HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) are often used as replacements for CFCs in refrigeration systems. However, HCFCs still contribute to climate change and are being phased out under the Kyoto Protocol.
As a result of these regulations, many companies have stopped producing Freon refrigerators altogether. If your refrigerator uses Freon, it is likely an older model that will need to be replaced eventually.