The US Environmental Protection agency, having already phased out Class I ozone-depleting substances (ODS), is now phasing out Class II ODS including R-22, by January of 2020. This means that R-22, a refrigerant still used in existing air conditioners, can no longer be manufactured or imported into the US. The age of your system and cost of needed repairs have always been factors in determining when it is time for a new air conditioner installation. The phase-out of R-22 is increasing the number of people having to replace their system.