I am looking for some general advise on the present state of the refrigerant debacle and maybe some insight into the near future. As some of you know our air conditioning units and refrigerators on our boats and home used R-22 (aka Freon) refrigerant. R-22 was banned because if it leaks it contributes to global warming. This doesn't matter as long as you do not have a leak. But if you have a leak you or the repair guy has to make a choice. R-417a is used by some AC techs but has increased in price. R-410a is a popular choice and is used in new units by Dometic which is the biggest supplier for boats. They purchased Cruisair and Marine Air. Carrier announced that they will replace R-410a with R-454b soon. One problem is that you can't mix the various gases and if you think this is a problem you also have to have a compatible refrigerant oil. From what I have been able to determine if you have something other than R-22 then you are probably stuck with what you have and the important thing is to make sure you know what the tech used so you can get the same thing next time. If you have R-22 then try and find some and stay away from the newer ones until the industry settles on a permanent choice. But I know a little and I am looking for better advice from someone that is knowledgeable about this subject. I have a friend with 5 AC units with one with a very slow leak and R-417 gas in this unit. Frank Burrows    79 43' Viking   Piney Narrows  Chesapeake Bay