For many years most air conditioners and heat pumps sold around the world used a refrigerant called R-22. Homeowners and business owners now have the ability to ask for an air conditioner or heat pump that uses the more efficient and environmentally friendlier refrigerant called R-410A. When you buy a new air conditioning or heat pump system by selecting R-410A you virtually eliminate the possibility that refrigerant leaking from your system could contribute to the hole in the ozone layer. You will also be investing in a new comfort system that will last you for many years to come. This is because R-410A (a chlorine-free refrigerant) complies with governmental legislation to phase out ozone-depleting refrigerants well ahead of the 2010 deadline. Another thing to consider is that the costs of R-22 will begin to rapidly rise when the production of R-22 units are phased out by January 1, 2010. Because of this there will be less R-22 refrigerant produced.