At that point we knew we needed help, so we called a vendor, and he called a refrigeration expert from United Refrigeration, and we scheduled a meeting.
It was a good idea, because this time we learned something. We learned that:
1) We don't need to panic. Yes, R-22 refrigeration will not be manufactured in 2020, but there's lots of it around, and the experts estimate it will continue to be around for another 10-20 years, gradually increasing in expense, but available.
2) All new HVAC units will be using one of the two newest refrigerants 410A or 134A (depending on the size of the unit). It's a good idea to make sure you verify this with your HVAC vendor though, just to be on the safe side.
3) The possibility of replacing R-22 refrigerant with a new EPA approved refrigerant depends on the size of the unit.
So our next step is to apply the criteria we were given to determine which of the properties in our portfolio qualify for the retrofit, because if we can get ahead of the issue, we want to, and we want our clients to have the best information and options they can.