Should I Repair or Replace my R-22 heat pump or air conditioner?

Manufacturing of residential cooling systems using freon or R-22 stopped in 2010 and the production of the refrigerant ended in 2020. This began in the 90’s because of the negative impacts of R-22 to our ozone. Being at least 10-years old most R-22 air conditioners or heat pumps are nearing or have already exceeded their average lifespan of 12-14 years. A diminishing supply of R-22 has also resulted in a dramatic price increase for freon refrigerant. As a result, making a major repair on an R-22 system is often not the best course of action.