A/C REFRIGERANTS
R12 and R134A
R12 Freon has been used since the 60's in automotive A/C systems. Government regulations and increasing prices have made R12 to high of liquid to use today. R134a is the newer version of R12 with out the harmful effects to the atmosphere. R134a is a much smaller and more efficient than R12. R134a typically runs a higher head pressure and tends to leak out quicker from high side leaks than R12. R134a requires the that the best components are used in your ac system. In some cases you will need to replace your condenser and evaporator to a higher efficient model so that R134a can perform properly. Warning. Do not mix R12 with R134a. Make sure you use the proper Oil.
A specially formulated chemical used in the A/C system for exchanging heat. Generally speaking, cars older than 1995 models use R-12 refrigerant, also known as Freon? or CFC-12 (CFC stands for chlorofluorocarbons). R-12 contains chlorine, which depletes the earth?s delicate ozone layer. For this reason, the production of R-12 in the U.S. stopped at the end of 1995. Cars 1995 and newer use R-134a refrigerant, also sometimes abbreviated as HFC-134a.
Purpose of A/C REFRIGERANT:
Removes heat and moisture from the interior of the vehicle and releases it to the outside air. When circulating in the system, refrigerant also helps to move refrigerant oil to key parts throughout the A/C system.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: Symptoms of a low refrigerant charge include poor cooling and frequent engagement and disengagement of the A/C compressor. This may also be accompanied by an engine that changes speed with the cycling of the A/C clutch and compressor. A low refrigerant charge can also affect system lubrication, since good refrigerant flow ensures the flow of refrigerant oil.
The phaseout of R-12 created a hotbed of confusion for motorists due to the introduction of numerous alternative refrigerants. In turn, these alternatives created confusion for technicians, who were then unsure as to whether an alternative was safe, or even legal, for use.
Since R-134a has been the standard refrigerant for nearly a decade, issues related to the R-12 phaseout have faded away. Nonetheless, there are some important things to keep in mind if your car needs A/C system service.
First, A/C system service costs more than it did in years past. Specialized recovery and recycling equipment, refrigerant identifiers, leak detectors, certification and training, and ongoing changes have increased the cost of A/C service.
The threat of cross-contamination, where different types of refrigerants wind up being mixed together, is a nightmare for most technicians and shop owners. That?s why it?s wise to seek out a professional technician with a proven track record if your car needs A/C service.
The basic functional requirements for an A/C system refrigerant are relatively straight-forward. The Refrigerant must condense (become liquid) at temperatures significantly higher than the outside air's when reasonable pressure is applied (so that heat can be transfered out of the system, to the outside air).
The Refrigerant must evaporate readily at 32 degrees F to 40 degrees F when the pressure is reduced (so that air destined for the cabin can transfer heat into the system).
The Refrigerant must not corrode or otherwise harm aluminum, steel, plastic, rubber, or the other materials from which system components are normally made
