Those who own dated air conditioning units are being warned that they must comply with the new legislation in place for air conditioning units that will come into effect in just over two years time.
After studies revealed that R22 refrigerants have a negative effect on the ozone layer and contibute heavily on the natural environment, a new law was brought in from January 1st 2010 stipulating that no more virgin refrigerant R22 can be used in existing systems. The extended legislation says that after 2015, no more recycled refrigerant R22 can be used in existing systems. 
That means if you have recently installed an R22 air conditioning system the phase out dates should make you sit up and take notice. Though it is worth bearing in mind that your air conditioning system will only require additional refrigerant should a leak or major repair is required and this can be effected within current legislation until 2015.
While the public should be aware that prices of R-22 may increase as supplies dwindle over the next 20 or 30 years, it is believed that consumers are not likely to be subjected to major price increases within a short time period.
In the meantime, homeowners are being urged to consider the environment by opting for a highly energy-efficient system which can be far more cost-effective. Today’s best air conditioning units use much less energy to produce the same amount of cooling as air conditioners made in the mid-1970s. Even if your air conditioner is only 10 years old, you may save significantly on your cooling energy costs by replacing it with a newer, more efficient model or opting for an in-depth air conditioning service.