I hate that HVAC companies (even some of the reputable ones) are spreading the rumor that R22 (the "old" refrigerant) "isn't made any more" and thus it is really expensive or unobtainable. If any HVAC tech tells you R22 isn't being made any more it is a LIE >
It is true that R22 is being phased out, here's the EPA timeline
http://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/phaseout/hcfc.html. R22 cannot be produced for equipment produced after 1/1/10, but can (and still is) be produced for equipment manufactured before that. In other words, new R22 will be produced until 2020 for use in equipment built before 1/1/10 (albeit at reduced volume as mandated by the EPA). Some distributors still have R22 condensing units in stock, but those are going away quickly. I placed an order for one of the last 2 or 3 25ton R22 condensers in town today.
I work in commercial HVAC and telling one of my customers that they need a new rooftop/chiller/etc because R22 isn't being made any more would get me kicked off a site. I've heard too many stories of companies telling homeowners that they need a new unit because the "old" refrigerant isn't available or they charge outrageous prices per pound of the stuff.
I was concerned that the 2010 reduction in production was going to drive the price up - it's June and I've not seen the gloom/doom sky high prices that some were predicting at the end of last year. Even when virgin 22 can't be manufactured, recycled will be available. It will be a long time before R22 goes away completely (decades after 2020).
Sorry for the long ranting first post, but this rumor just gets under my skin. I'll post a formal intro here in a bit.
Tyson