The molecule size of R134a is smaller than that of R12, so there was concern that R134a could leak out through the hoses and flare fittings that R12 systems used. Because of this products greenhouse gas attributes, its manufacture has been banned in the European Union since 2011, and motor manufacturers stopped using it in motor vehicle air conditioning at that time. Certainly no one selling cans of R12 on Craigslist is asking for your EPA 609 card. R134a is safe to use as its not toxic, flammable, or explosive. The biggest giveaway is the air conditioning connectors. R12 is highly destructive to the earths ozone layer. A significant investment. Theres a lot of misinformation surrounding R12. Alternator Overcharging - Causes and Fixes. Bottom line, R134a simply doesn't cool as well as R12. Yes, there will be less refrigerant by weight. But, if your old compressor has lock-up or if your current expansion valve is not functional it would wise to replace the expansion valve with a valve designed for R134a. Can you use r12 gauges for r134a? - Sage-Advices R134a systems operate at higher discharge-side pressures than R12, which can cause compressor seals to leak. This chemical is an excellent refrigerant liquid. R134a A/C retrofit and low pressure cycling switch adjustment Being a CFC, this product depletes the earths ozone layer, contributing to global warming. Stability: RR12 doesnt disintegrate even under extreme operating conditions. At this point it is time to make an appointment with the a/c shop. A vacuum pump, a refrigerant recover system, quality service gauge set with both low and high side gagues, and much more besides the lessons to learn what to do and what not to do. R12 and R134a are older types of refrigerants that are considered to be dangerous to the environment today. Thus, R-600a is more efficient than R-134a. R134a is classified as a dangerous greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. R-134a entirely dominated the automotive market by 1994. Initially, an invasive recipe was proposed: the system should be flushed to remove any traces of the old R12-specific mineral oil, the compressor and expansion valve should be replaced with R134a-specific versions to perform correctly, and the old hoses should be replaced with 134a-specific barrier hoses to forestall leakage. You can order a personally inscribed copy here. The manufacture and sale of the small cans of R12 used by hobbyists to top off a system also ended, although New Old Stock (NOS) cans of R12 are still privately traded on eBay and Craigslist (Ill come back to that). We consider the the various types alternative refrigerants that are illegal or not approved to be in two sectors: non-flammables and flammables. Remove the old mineral oil from the compressor by turning it upside down, side to side, and turn the front hub on the clutch assembly. Merely an emerging auto hacker. R12 has a global warming potential factor of 2400. They differ in the number of ports, alias manifolds, that are used for attaching accessories. Your decision could be made based on economics, environmental concerns, or both. There is R744, which is literally carbon dioxide (CO2). R134a is called tetrafluoroethane (HFC). If an A/C system isnt working, the root cause needs to be diagnosed, and the system needs to be fixed. Its still one of the most efficient at cooling, but the destructive effects on the ozone layer and its very high global warming potential have made this environmentally an unwise choice. 2021 Complete Guide. Osuagwu Solomon is a certified mechanic with over a decade of experience in the mechanic garage, and he has over five years of experience in the writing industry. We don't save this data. Instead of using R12, its preferable to use R134a because it is very easy to find in the market, its sold at an affordable price, and is environmentally friendly. R12 is a powerful ozone depleted, while R134a and R1234yf are not. Also, look for a blue sticker that gives the date of conversion. The two systems use different fittings. Carefully study the chart and compare the following: To a large extent, the choice is up to you. Any old black o-rings should be replaced with R134a-compliant green o-rings. 2021 Complete Guide, Find more info about me and HVAC Training 101, Screw, roll, rotary, reciprocating, and centrifugal compressors for refrigeration and air conditioning, Used in automotive air conditioning since 1994, and has been retrofitted to many older models as a replacement to R12, Used to remove humidity from compressed air in gas dusters. Find more info about me and HVAC Training 101. Also, since R134a uses synthetic oil, it has a low global warming potential, unlike R12 which uses mineral oil which poses a negative environmental impact. Hopefully after you have read this entire page you will have enough information to determine which type of refrigerant is best for you. R134a and R12 are among the most popular types of refrigerants. The major difference between these two refrigerants is their chemical composition. Some compressor manufacturers or OEMs suggest PAG type oil for R134a. In addition to the low boiling point, there are two other de facto requirements for refrigerant: It shouldnt be poisonous, and it shouldnt be flammable. 2001-2023 Griffiths Technical Inc. All Rights Reserved. Note that I am not advocating taking the exam and getting the EPA 609 certification simply so you can legally buy R12; Im just stating what the law appears to be. With the differences between the two refrigerants in mind, it goes without saying that charging an R12 system with R134a can have some serious negative effects. Heres some important advice Whenever you notice your R12 refrigerant is leaking, turn off all flames and open the doors so it can escape to the open atmosphere. The issue is whether you should. This chemical is tetrafluoroethane, and its chemical formula is CH2FCF3. Then there are three new EPA-approved climate-friendly alternatives. There is R1234yf, which is already being used on new cars but is classified as mildly flammable. At $70 per pound, no one is using it in retrofit applications. The common problem when converting from R12 to R134a is lack of knowledge or equipment. Thank you! Concentration level: The R134a vapor dilutes the oxygen concentration in the air to a low level, thereby causing harm. Its likely that these plants, which will be expensive to convert, will continue to use R12 with careful maintenance. You should keep in mind that recharging your air conditioner improperly could result in more serious damage. If it splashes inside the eye, it could lead to a serious eye problem. The compressor should then be filled with R134a-specific oil (usually PAG oil) and the system evacuated and recharged. R134a won't provide the same level of cooling as R12, though. As this chemical has carbon, hydrogen, and fluorine but no chlorine, its not dangerous to the ozone layer. If he is not in the garage fixing challenging mechanical problems, he is writing automotive repair guides, buyers guides, and car and tools comparisons. The problem is that some inexpensive available refrigerantsammonia and propane, for exampleare poisonous and/or flammable. Can I Use Automotive r134a in a Refrigerator | An Expert Guide If your car does not have a high pressure cut-out switch in the AC system then youll need to have one installed (call us if you need help). 134A HVACR versus 134A Automotive..Difference?? - HVAC-Talk: Heating However, take note that R134a refrigerants are manufactured specifically for automotive air conditioners. Its found in domestic and commercial refrigeration and air conditioning. Since 2010, all home AC systems manufactured use a refrigerant like R134a that has zero ozone depletion potential (ODP). rate between the temperature range of -40 C and -10 C is R134a liquid's, while the lowest is the R1270's. Having a low mass flow rate with in the system is a parameter that reduces the cost of operating. R134a is used in many applications such as: Although this type is better than R12, using this kind of refrigerant also has some problems associated with it. Because of this, in the early 1930s, a new refrigerant based on a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), specifically dichlorodifluoromethane, was developed. Weve been talking about air conditioning for a couple of weeks now, so if youre still feeling the heat then its time to wrap up the series so you can get out to your garage and put what youve learned to good use. R12s GWP is 10,910. R12 and R134a are not the only game in town. And with R134a costing only two bucks a can, converting to the new inexpensive refrigerant seemed the thing to do. A final difference is that most (though not all) R-1234yf cars will have a Suction Line Heat Exchanger. Im not a lawyer, but charging a known-leaky system with something flammable sounds like culpable negligence to me. This item: R12 R22 R134a R404a Manifold Gauge Set 3" Gauge HVAC A/C Refrigeration Charging Service. However, some old air conditioning units still use them. Therefore, the higher the factor of the chemical (compound), the greater its effect on global warming. Since you cant vent any refrigerant without breaking the law, and since youll be hard-pressed to find a shop that will recover anything other than R134a, youll have painted yourself into a corner. Both of these gasses are very safe for use in all forms of refrigeration as theyre not flammable, explosive, or toxic. Many existing installations continue to use the product. R12 connectors were of the screw type, while R134a has push-on connectors similar to air tools. However, leaks do occur. The biggest difference between the two is that R1234yf is mildly flammable and does require special handling. Because A/C compressors have moving parts, they require oil. All in all, I'm very happy with the results and see no reason why they won't last. Miscibility with oil: R12 can be mixed with the compressor oil no matter the operating condition. R134A has an ODP of zero, meaning that it has a negligible effect on the ozone layer. You may have heard of a friend that did the job himself with borrowed equipment and 12 or 16 ounce cans of refrigerant. The problems that arise are related to the oils used in the system and the fact that they have different charge weights and different boiling points. R134a systems operate at higher discharge-side pressures than R12, which can cause compressor seals to leak. Piston Slap: Booting a Torino in a snap without snaps? The original rubber a/c hose lines in your car will leak out R12 through the hoses lining. In many parts of the world, its now viewed as a greenhouse gas, and its use is discouraged. R12 is known as a CFC or chlorofluorocarbon, with a chemical symbol of CCl2F2. Over time, a credible middle ground emerged. How to Convert Your Car AC R12 System To R134a - Mechanic Base R134a isnt toxic, corrosive, explosive, or flammable, making it a good choice for air conditioning, but its cooling properties arent as good as R12. Inasmuch as R134a has a global warming potential thats over 1000 times more threatening than carbon dioxide, its better than R12. Lichamp HVAC R410A Manifold Gauge Set AC R134A, Freon R22 R32 410A 134A Diagnostic Manifold Gauge with Hose Kit Air Conditioner Refrigerant Recharge Kit Visit the Lichamp Store 403 ratings | 10 answered questions -27% $7999 List Price: $109.99 FREE Returns Available at a lower price from other sellers that may not offer free Prime shipping. R12 is considered to be superior in cooling to R134a. Condensers designed to release greater amounts of heat help to expel the greater amount of heat which R134a removes from the cars interior. Stay home and grill your own steaks and stir your own martini. I am currently retired and no longer do much with HVAC, however, I feel like I have a lot of knowledge in the subject and I wanted to create a website where I could talk about what I've learned and help upcoming HVAC techs. $34.99. Hence, the effect of R12 on global warming is up to 10,000 times higher than carbon dioxide. Theres no problem with using R134a in a home air conditioning system because it is a hydrofluorocarbon that doesnt cause environmental harm. Providing they dont leak, theyre no risk to the environment. R134a was developed to replace R12, so it works over the same range of applications. So if you car has a large amount of rubber hose, such as a 40 feet with the 911, then you will be re-charging the system often and that is expensive no matter which refrigerant you use. These are cars with poor A/C reputations, which is precisely why I continue to use R12 in them. R12, on the other hand, is called chlorofluorocarbon (CFC). If you you dont have the free time to play then you are better off to pay a technician. Its been used in the refrigeration industry for a long time, so theres a large body of knowledge established around the product. R134a is an HFC or tetrafluoroethane, and its chemical formula is CH2FCF3. On this website we are addressing only R134a and not other suggested drop in replacements. The problem in all of this is the sentence As long as the system is functioning correctly and not leaking. Who in their right mind would take a tight, cold, R12-based system and convert it to less-efficient R134a? This is measured using a factor known as ODP (ozone depletion potential). This means that when exposed to the environment, it exists as a gas. Also worth noting is that the R-600a requires a shorter time to reach -21C (60 minutes) compared to the R-134a (135 minutes) [1]. Its among the greenhouse gases and will keep adding the current problem of heat not leaving the earths atmosphere. Unfortunately, the widespread use of R12 appeared to be significantly degrading the Earths ozone layer, potentially causing a worldwide health crisis. Besides, its technology has been tested and trusted. Servicing automotive a/c systems: The difference between R-134a and R How to Convert Your Car AC R12 System to R134a Yes R12 systems did cool better than R134a, but there are differences and it is not wise to go back wards. For example, while R12 itself is similar to the halon used in fire extinguishers, when R12 is mixed with mineral oilthe most commonly-used lubricant oil in R12 systemsand aerosolized and burned, it creates phosgene gas, which was used as a chemical agent in WWI. If your compressor requires replacement or its seals and o-rings need to be replaced due to leakage, it would be wise at this time to either obtain a compressor that has o-rings and seals that are compatible with R134a or have your unit re-manufactured with compatible components. Why and How to Use HVAC Manifold Gauges - Mega Depot These guidelines are offered tohelp understand the differences . Before we mentioned that you can add approximately 5-6 ounces of ester oil to the compressor. I wouldnt say Im a BMW enthusiast. So when someone says, You cant get R12 anymore, or Its illegal to use R12, those things simply arent true. The reason is that the vehicles, for instance, manufactured currently configure the engine for R1234yf refrigerant, making no provision for replacement. Here are a few of the more common questions. An R134a-specific expansion valve was preferred but not strictly necessary. They frame it as a replacement for R134a in cars and other vehicles. If you find any of these conditions you will want to liquid flush (with dedicated AC flush solution) all the lines, condensers, evaporator (remove the expansion valve) before you proceed further. Refrigerant Can Leak Easier For starters, R12 systems and R134a systems are designed differently to accommodate the gaseous state of each. My name is Bob Wells and I am a retired HVAC tech from Washington state. As part of doing that, you often wind up replacing major portions of the systemnot because thats strictly required in order to convert it to R134a, but because thats what you need to do in order to get it functional again. We mention using ester type refrigerant oil. I did a beer cooler with a target temp of 36 degrees, these are largely different pressures than you'll see in automotive which has a max desired temp of 60 degrees. Its chemical symbol is CH2FCF3. It is also used in automotive car conditioning and the plastic industry. R12 has a GWP of 10,910, so its effect on global warming is over 10,000 times greater than carbon dioxide. However, its been shown that R134a is as destructive to the environment, and newer refrigerants have been created to overcome this problem. Hand in hand with this is the global warming potential (GWP), which measures the gass potential as a greenhouse gas. Chemistry. The biggest problem that youll have is the oil in the system. It's important to get good. In air conditioning units installed in motor vehicles, the systems increased running time results in increased fuel usage. No, its not possible to mix these two refrigerants. Note that R134a is also sometimes called Freon, even labeled as such on the can, so its best to be clear and use the names R12 and R134a. You do not want to exceed the systems high side recommendations. This can be very very expensive. This means that it has a high potential of causing depletion to the ozone layer. This chemical has carbon, hydrogen, and fluorine. R134a vs. R12 - Griffiths The molecule size of R134a is smaller than that of R12, so there was concern that R134a could leak out through the hoses and flare fittings that R12 systems used. Thats not true either. However, you will need different recovery machines and other equipment to handle R1234yf. But once youre on that path, you can improve the system with a new compressor and parallel-flow condenser which, in most cases, will allow you to get good results with R134a. R134a can easily go between liquid and vapor states as with other refrigerants. Whether R134a performs as well as R12 in any given a/c system depends upon system components and the . It has a lower global warming potential than R134a. Important Features: Color-coded Easy to use Made of high-quality brass Specific for R-134a Pros: Easy to operate. If you still find it difficult to use R134a in a home AC system, you can check out a comparison of R12 vs R134a fittings to know the refrigerant that best fits the AC system. This week, we discuss the thing thats actually boiling and coolingthe refrigerant itself. This gas is then cooled via environmental means, and the gas slowly loses heat and reverts to a liquid state. As this chemical has both chlorine and fluorine in its make-up, it belongs to the group of chemicals known as CFCs or chlorofluorocarbons. If youre going to go to all that effort on a vintage car with an A/C system that hasnt been used in years, it usually behooves you do a full-on rejuvenation of the system and replace the compressor with a new compact rotary-style unit, replace the condenser with the largest parallel-flow condenser and big fan thatll fit in the nose of the car, make all new hoses, and flush the evaporator. Note also that, unlike mineral oil, both PAG oil and ester oil are hygroscopicthat is, they absorb water. With R134a you do not rely on the site glass. Reusing Refrigerant: Refrigerant must be properly recycled or reclaimed before it can be reused, even if it is being returned to the vehicle from which it was removed. Your email address will not be published. Tiny amounts of oil will inevitably find their way into the stream of gas. Its better that this is done by professional technicians as venting any of this gas into the atmosphere is environmentally damaging and illegal. This product is non-toxic, non-flammable, and not explosive, so its extremely safe to use for domestic refrigeration. And that brings us to, I continue to use R12 in two of my carsmy 1972 BMW 2002tii and 1973 Bavaria. However, it must be noted that itll disintegrate into toxic compounds when exposed to flame. Dont do it. As this gas has such an effect on the environment, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has strict guidelines for its use. SureBilt R-134a High and Low Side Service Port Repair Kit $ 5. Converting them is extremely expensive, and in many cases, replacement is the only option available. For instance you can evacuate FRIGC FR-12 into a refrigerant recovery bottle that has R134a in it or visa versa. Country of Origin: United States Hi, this is my first post, so please take it easy on the noob. Small NOS cans of R12 are widely available on eBay and Craigslist for about $30 apiece. R12 has not be manufactured for a long time it was outlawed in the US. R134a is still used in the automotive industry as a refrigerant and in other industries, such as pharmaceuticals, as a propellant. The problem with using an approved alternative refrigerants other than R134a is that when the system is serviced it requires certain types of fittings, labels and dedicated equipment. Reattach the hose lines using new R134a compatible o-rings, lightly lubricate with compressor oil. You might find that the system doesn't get as cool even after properly charging it. This means that when using R134a, the compressor should be oiled with Polyalkylene Glycol or PAG oil. A comparison between R12 vs. R134a temperature will show that R12 has a higher temperature than R134a. We chose to use 5-6 ounces of oil to be on the safe side: 3-4 ounces for the compressor, 1 oz of oil for the drier and another ounce of oil for system losses. To take one of these and convert it to R134a was usually a recipe for disappointment. 0,008 0,01 0,012 0,014 0,016 0,018 0,02-40 -35 -30 -25 -20 -15 -10 Evaporation Temperature Mass Flow Rate R600a R134a R290 R1270 R32 . Some recovery machines are equipped for both R134a and R1234yf. R134a belongs to the family of HFCs or hydrofluorocarbons. From this number, subtract 1/4, or 0.25 pounds. When the sensor detects the refrigerant leak the sniffers lights glow and the sniffer makes a noise. R12 is CFC: Even though R12 is one of the most commonly used refrigerants, it is CFC. But in order for refrigeration to work, you need something that has a low boiling point, something that exists as a gas at room temperature and can be easily pressurized into a liquid so that, when it is allowed to expand, it immediately boils at room temperature and cools. This can significantly affect energy consumption as the plant will operate for longer, or a larger plant will have to be installed. You do not have to split up the 5-6 oz of oil and add it to each component, just simply put it all in the compressor as it will move throughout the whole system once the system is operational. Diagnosis of the air-conditioning system can be done in the same way as with R134a. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. PDF R134a R513A - Tecumseh Products The following is verbatim from EPAs website: EPA performs random inspections, responds to tips, and pursues potential cases against violators of the Section 608 regulations. ODP = 0, Has a global warming potential (GWP) of 10900, No longer manufactured or imported into the USA, Has an ozone depletion factor (ODP) of 1 which is the highest possible, Has a global warming potential (GWP) of 1430. Most vehicles manufactured before 1993 have the R12 A/C system. R134a systems operate at higher discharge-side pressures than R12, which can cause compressor seals to leak. R12 is otherwise called dichlorodifluoromethane is a colorless gas (chlorofluorocarbon halomethane (CPC) that is used as an aerosol spray propellant and a refrigerant, and is soluble in organic solvents. Ed. In the last 10 years, new information has shown that this gas contributes to global warming. The major reason for the replacement of R12 with R134a was to curb future greenhouse effects. Technicians must capture and recycle R134a safely, and the gas must be disposed of by following the EPA guidelines. Motor manufacturers in the USA used R134a in air conditioning systems for new cars from 1994. Its legal to own either of these gasses, but its illegal to vent them into the air. Unfortunately, converting existing air conditioners that use R22 to use new refrigerants isnt easy. In fact, R12 was used for many years as a propellant in a variety of aerosol products and sprayed directly into the air, and it is closely related to the halon used in fire extinguishers. If your vehicle is after 1994, you could use R-134a in its air conditioning system. To be absolutely clear, these refrigerants are not EPA-approved and shouldnt be used. First things first. The boiling point of R134a is -15.34F (-26.3C.) But if you live in a hot climate, want to daily-drive the car, and the car has a tiny-capacity A/C system which, even after modernization, may only perform marginally, you may want to consider sticking with R12. Both claims are demonstrably untrue. Theres one type of oil that will work with both refrigerants. On the other hand, R12 has a global warming potential of 10,910. . The higher the ambient temperature the higher the high side pressure. All signatories to the Montreal Treaty stopped the production of CFC products. Theyre also tasteless, colorless, and odorless. I have seen a large difference in pressures you are looking for due to temperature demand of unit. The major difference between these two refrigerants is their chemical composition. You confirmed my decisions in one elegant post (as opposed to the 60-odd hours of blog post readings and YouTube videos). To discover the capacity for refrigerant, you want to use the specs for the current system and multiply the R12 charge by 0.9 or 90%. All leaks in systems using R134a must be repaired within 30 days. This is a remarkable read about the history of R12 to R134a, and the reasons and (few) exceptions to not convert to R134a. Generally this works well for the whole system. When this happens, the chlorine in the product contributes significantly to the ozone layers depletion, leading to a lack of protection from harmful radiation. R12s boiling point is -21.6F or -29.8C. One cant discount its drawbacks, but theres a great deal of knowledge and information available on safely using the product. In addition, there is a $10,000 rat-out fee your neighbor can collect if youre venting refrigerant and he tattles on you. But, if your car lacks enough condenser and you have many 100+ degree days then you may want to stick either increase air flow, add another condenser as we mentioned in The Mr. Ice Project or stick with R12. Many older automotive systems still use R12, and as youre still able to purchase individual small cans of this refrigerant via on-line marketplaces, its use in many classic motor vehicles will likely continue. Its improbable that any new installation will be built that uses this refrigerant as its use is deemed highly undesirable in many countries and international environmental treaties discourage its use. As these refrigerants are slowly phased out, there are still many questions that people have about them. R134a is the most widely accepted alternative automotive refrigerant used to replace R12. Even if youre OK with that, if the system needs work, any refrigerant in it will need to be recovered. But some types of PAG do not mix well with the old residual R12 mineral oil left in the system components whereas ester does mix very well. Its often said that R12 is no longer available. Sold by e7tools and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. Swapping the components isnt a herculean task, but recharging the AC is a challenge. Therefore, the R12 refrigerant is illegal, and emitting it is illegal. These properties make it very attractive for domestic, commercial, and automotive refrigeration and air conditioning. After the optimum refrigerant charge is determined the car should be test driven to check for performance of the system. There are significant differences between R12, R134a, and R513A, which must be considered when handling, processing, applying, or retrofitting with these refrigerants. But many European cars, such as the vintage BMWs I love, had A/C systems that never functioned all that well even when they were new and charged up with R12. Skin contact: If the R134a (liquid) comes in contact with your skin, it could cause a burn. This ability has encouraged R12 in a wide variety of applications and over a wide range of temperature variables. As these two products essentially do the same job, there are many similarities between the two refrigerants. For example, if your system originally had 36 ounces of R12 then you multiply that by .80 and you have 29 ounce of R134a. The non-flammables can have R22 type gas which is not compatible with most rubber hoses or they have gases that contribute to global warming. After the system has been tested out it should be checked for leaks.
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