As per chemical manufacturer DuPont, the chief refrigerant that is used in residential air conditioning systems may be in short supply as soon as the year 2010.

"The recent Montreal Protocol changes and an updated look at supply-demand scenarios reveal that supplies in 2010 may be much tighter than originally anticipated, including the possibility that virgin R-22 supplies may be short, therefore, it is apparent that the industry must dramatically increase recovery of HCFC's in order to compensate for the shortfall expected as early as 2010," claims Kevin P. O'Shea, the North American marketing manager for DuPont Refrigerants.

The Montreal Protocol that O'Shea references is an international treaty enacted in 1987 and modified several times afterwards. It states the phase-out of chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's), which are ozone exhausting refrigerants. In 1996, the Montreal Protocol was amended to include hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC's), which are less damaging to the ozone, but still contain chlorine.

R-22, the chief refrigerant used in residential air conditioning systems is an HCFC. After 2009, residential air conditioning manufacturers will only be able to use pre-existing supplies of R-22 in modern equipment.

Manufacturers will still be able to produce R-22 for servicing existing systems, but the production quantities will be dramatically reduced. After next year, the production will be limited to 25% of the 1996 production levels.

It was estimated that the exisiting stock of R-22, together with limited production would be sufficient for servicing existing systems. This assumed that contractors were diligent about recovering, reclaiming, and recycling refrigerant.

In years past, R-22 was so inexpensive, that technicians simply vented it to the atmosphere when servicing equipment and replaced it with new refrigerant. Not only is that expensive today, it's illegal. There are steep fines for venting R-22. Yet, some contractors must be venting because the stock of recycled R-22 is below projections.

The threatening shortage does not mean that we will run out of refrigerant in the near future. It means that prices will amplify until demand balances supply. In just means that R-22 will still be available, but it will be expensive.

This won't affect you unless your air conditioner leaks. Air conditioning systems are closed loop systems. Absent leaks, they will not require additional refrigerant.

The air conditioning industry has settled on R-410a as a replacement for R-22. It's a good refrigerant, but it is incompatible with R-22. Unfortunately we cannot simply substitute it for R-22. The whole system would have to be replaced.

The new R-410a air conditioners operate under higher pressures. This means that special training is required to install/service them.

It might surprise you to know how efficient these air conditioners are. It's possible that you can cut your cooling costs in half with one of these new systems, especially If your air conditioning system is 15+ years or older.

R-22 Phaseout Timeline

• R-22 is banned from new U.S. system production in 2010.
• In 2015, R-22 production drops to 10% of 1996 levels.
• U.S. production of R-22 for service needs ends in 2020.

• Higher EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio)
• Enhanced heat-pump performance
• Increased efficiency and reliability
• Cost-effective design
• Proven long-term HCFC replacement capability
• No ozone-depleting chemicals
• Lowest global warming TEWI (Total Equivalant Warming Impact)

Air conditioners are mechanical systems. To operate efficiently, they need maintenance. That same maintenance will also reduce the possibility that your air conditioner will develop a refrigerant leak. If you have not had your air conditioner tuned-up this year, you should schedule it right away.

Even a well maintained system can develop leaks once in a while. These should be fixed immediately. A refrigerant leak will not only hurt the ozone layer, it will hurt your wallet too.

If the leak cannot be fixed, the air conditioner should be replaced with one of the new models that use an alternative refrigerant.