2020 R22 Freon. What does 2020 mean for air conditioner Orange County, CA. Homeowners and businesses having the R-22 Freon refrigerant in their older air conditioners? The law states As of January 1, 2020, production and import of R22 refrigerant will be illegal in the United States. Of course, continued use of your air conditioner (AC) or heat pump system…