In '99, R22 was still the primary refrigerant. R22 is still available, but you would need to use a licensed A/C tech in order to recharge the system-and R22 goes for $60+ a lb. in the retail market. If you have the gauges and the know-how, you can buy a 7-10 lb tank on the internet for $16-$25/lb. You do not want to mix refrigerants. If the leak happened quickly, it might be time to replace-repairs of leaks are at best difficult and usually short-term. Sometimes paying the piper is the better alternative.