This is a crucial year for consumers worldwide considering air conditioner purchases, as the second stage of the phase-out schedule on ozone-depleting refrigerants established by the Montreal Protocol will be enacted beginning January 1, 2010. The Protocol, implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States as Title VI of the Clean Air Act, calls for reduction in the amount of R-22, or Freon, that may be produced by chemical manufacturers. While the protocol directly affects manufacturers, it ultimately affects consumers, too, as the availability of R-22 will be greatly reduced beginning next year.

As a result, some consumers, both homeowners and business owners who own commercial buildings, may feel rushed when considering what to do with an air conditioning system that may be due for replacement or repair. Be careful when purchasing new air conditioning units to avoid pitfalls and undesirable mechanical and monetary situations down the road.

Air conditioning systems use two major components: the inside unit, or evaporator coil, and the outside unit, also known as the condenser. To save money these days, some consumers may consider replacing only the defective part of the air conditioning system, but the biggest risk here is that consumers could end up with a mismatched system.

• Casa Ybel Sanibel Island Resort

• Portland Oregon County Map

• Lands End Website

  Lands' End have a great range of Men's and Women's clothing - jackets, coats, footwear, shirts, blouses and swimwear. Visit Lands' End UK now to buy online

• Where Is Midway Islands

• Netherlands Immigration Policy