Since the 1950s, Freon (R-22) has been the industry standard for air conditioning refrigerant鈥攁 substance needed for an HVAC system to cool the air. Unfortunately, it鈥檚 also damaging to the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enacted an R-22 phaseout, and by 2020, Freon will be illegal to produce or import. Refrigerant is expensive now, and it鈥檚 only getting pricier as the 2020 R-22 phaseout looms. Here鈥檚 what you need to know now.