R12 is highly destructive of the ozone layer, and R134a is over 1,000 times more dangerous in terms of global warming than carbon dioxide. Below are the major differences between R134a and R12: The chemical composition of R12 and R134a differ. As you probably know, matter can exist in three statessolid, liquid, and gas. R134a was the replacement refrigerant for R12. The money you will save by will pay for the R12. After the optimum refrigerant charge is determined the car should be test driven to check for performance of the system. R-12 and R-134a use different size fittings in order to avoid mixing the two types of refrigerant. Oil doesnt stay in the compressor, however, it dissolves in the liquid refrigerant and gets carried through the system as a fine particulate mist when the refrigerant goes through its liquid/gaseous transition. Subtract or 0.25 pounds from this number. R134a Expansion valve different from R12? - Automotive Air Conditioning Condensers designed to release greater amounts of heat help to expel the greater amount of heat which R134a removes from the cars interior. R12 systems use screw-on connectors, while R134a systems use push-on connectors similar to those used in air tools. With that said, Ill agree that the flammability issue may not be as black-and-white as it appears. Air-conditioning dos and don'ts: Refrigerants and the law The value of carbon dioxide is 1. You can get it and use it. Further production of R12 was banned in some developed countries by the Montreal Protocol because of its harsh effect on the ozone layer. R134a can easily go between liquid and vapor states as with other refrigerants. Instead, top off R12 with R134a refrigerant. 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. 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. As R134a was touted as the replacement for R12, and the conversion of the refrigeration system to run R134a was relatively painless, many commercial installations use this refrigerant. It has already been clearly stated that R12 is a chemical that damages the earths ozone layer and shouldnt be released into the environment no matter the circumstance. Also, if you want to know what happens if you put R134a in an R12 system, you should first confirm if the R12 system can be replaced or if the refrigerants can be mixed. So, along with R134a came a new oil: Polyalkylene Glycolor PAG oil. They differ in the number of ports, alias manifolds, that are used for attaching accessories. My name is Bob Wells and I am a retired HVAC tech from Washington state. 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. The ozone depletion potential of a chemical is a factor that shows the level of degradation itll cause to the ozone layer that surrounds and secures the earth from harmful radiation. Make sure to wear safety gloves, goggles, and shoes when theres a possibility of exposure to the chemical (R134a). R134a refrigerant is lighter than R12. 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. The ODP of a chemical is a factor that indicates the amount of degradation itll cause to the ozone layer that surrounds the earth and protects it from harmful radiation. When the temperature is reduced to-7C or below, the plants ability to cool the airdrops significantly. $34.99. The problem is that some inexpensive available refrigerantsammonia and propane, for exampleare poisonous and/or flammable. The approval is very legal one, governed by the U.S. EPA. R-134a, while non-ozone depleting, is still viewed unfavorably due to its GWP of 1,430. BTW Im sorta tempted to buy one of your BMW 2002 cars. The major difference between these two refrigerants is their chemical composition. Gauges are used to read the pressure of various liquids and gases in a cooling system, as well as vacuum pressure in the process of testing or charging the device. Its better that this is done by professional technicians as venting any of this gas into the atmosphere is environmentally damaging and illegal. You can order a personally inscribed copy here. Providing they dont leak, theyre no risk to the environment. Its unlikely that air conditioners or refrigeration plants will be converted from R12 or R134a to R22, but it can be done if reclaimed R22 refrigerant can be located. We say generally because the vehicle manufacturer may have a formula already worked out for the R134a conversion process. The global warming potential of R134a is 1430. What's the difference between these and how do. Being a CFC, this product depletes the earths ozone layer, contributing to global warming. Only licensed air conditioning companies and technicians may purchase this refrigerant. 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. It is also used in automotive car conditioning and the plastic industry. https://www.wiseautotools.com/mountain-quick-connect-r12-ac-gauge-conversion-to-134a/ A/C gauge conversion kits from R12 to R134A. Dont do it. When R12s effects on the ozone layer became known and it was superseded by R134a, EPA came down hard with large fines on both professionals and DIY-ers. These cheap kits usually have a few cans of R134a (either 12 ounce or 16 ounce), maybe an extra can of refrigerant oil, a few generic R134a charge port adapters and maybe some o-rings. Though you can purchase 12 or 16 ounce cans of R134a from local retailers it is very difficult to measure out the correct amount into your system. The two systems use different fittings. Rob Siegel has been writing the column The Hack Mechanic for BMW CCA Roundel magazine for 30 years. R134a is classified as a dangerous greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. Of course, the receiver/drier needs to be replaced, as it does any time an A/C system is opened. This makes it expensive to purchase and adds to the attraction of replacing it with other greener products. And it was safeneither poisonous to breathe, nor flammable. In the automotive world, the replacement for R12 was tetrafluoroethane, a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) branded as R134a. The advantage of ester oil is that it works with both R12 as well as R134a, so you can fill the system with it and then use either refrigerant. It provided much needed context as I embark on re-building the AC in my sons new (to him) 1988 Toyota pickup. It's important to get good. Tiny amounts of oil will inevitably find their way into the stream of gas. Reattach the hose lines using new R134a compatible o-rings, lightly lubricate with compressor oil. R12 vs R134a Refrigerant: What is the Difference? - 2022 Complete Guide Because of this, in the early 1930s, a new refrigerant based on a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), specifically dichlorodifluoromethane, was developed. The next piece of equipment to track down leaks is a leak sniffer. 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 maximum value is 1. Here are the basics for converting a system that does not have a charge of R12, its empty. R134a vs R12 refrigerant? However, the operating pressures are reportedly four times those of other refrigerants, so retrofit appears out of the question. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. 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. R134a belongs to the family of HFCs or hydrofluorocarbons. R134a systems operate at higher discharge-side pressures than R12, which can cause compressor seals to leak. At room temperature R410a has a pressure of nearly 200 psi, while R134a is around 70 psi. The problem with these so called drop in replacements is that to properly handle them you may need dedicated equipment to identify the gas and evacuate it for proper disposal. Its been labeled as a greenhouse gas, and its use is no longer supported. R134a was touted as the replacement for R12 until it too was deemed environmentally undesirable. The concern that the original R12 hoses would leak R134a like a screen door on a submarine appeared to be largely unfounded, as the insides of original hoses seemed to naturally become impregnated with a combination of refrigerant and oil that acted as a barrier. R12 is a powerful ozone depleted, while R134a and R1234yf are not. 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. I wouldnt say Im a BMW enthusiast. If you use anything other than R134a, youll likely create a situation where you must be the one servicing the system. However, some old air conditioning units still use them. 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. SureBilt R-134a High and Low Side Service Port Repair Kit $ 5. Can I Use Automotive r134a in a Refrigerator | An Expert Guide Thus, R-600a is more efficient than R-134a. 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. Their differences come mainly in their chemical make-up and environmental impact. R12 is considered to be superior in cooling to R134a. Over time, a credible middle ground emerged. There are kits that convert R12 to R134a. Anyone selling R12 is required to verify that the buyer has an EPA Section 609 certification to work with mobile vehicle air conditioning (MVAC) systems. Lets have a closer look at these similarities and differences. R134a is otherwise called 1,1,1,2 Tetrafluoroethane, Florasol 134a, Freon 134a, Norflurane (INN) or HFC 134a. AC R-134 Manifold Gauge Sets & Replacement Parts for Car AC Gauges The major difference between these two refrigerants is their chemical composition. Since these days a can of R134a is about $15, the cost differential isnt what it was in the panicked days of the mid-1990s. 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. The original expansion valves work very well with R134a. Also, the fittings and hoses should be perfectly compatible with R410A. Replace the drier with a drier that has a desiccant that is R134a compatible, use new R134a o-rings. However, it must be noted that itll disintegrate into toxic compounds when exposed to flame. R12 has a GWP of 10,910, so its effect on global warming is over 10,000 times greater than carbon dioxide. You can then add ester oil thatll work with either R12 or R134a. Your decision could be made based on economics, environmental concerns, or both. These guidelines are offered tohelp understand the differences . This implies that the discharge pressure of the compressor should be moderate so it can produce the refrigerants condensation in the condenser at the atmospheric temperature. All compressors require oils to lubricate the moving parts. In addition, R134a refrigerants are not only used in auto air conditioners, they can be used in freezers, aerosol cans, and refrigerators. R134a is a pure refrigerant that is sometimes used in blends, while R410a is itself a blend. At this point it is time to make an appointment with the a/c shop. Any old black o-rings should be replaced with R134a-compliant green o-rings. All these industries still have old plants that use these refrigerants. The hose length is 60 inches and comes with a 1-year warranty. This product was developed to overcome the old CFC refrigerants problems as it has an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of 0.055. PDF A Comparison Between Refrigerants Used In Air Conditioning Many existing installations continue to use the product. How To Use An A/C Manifold Gauge Set - CARiD In todays world, the combination of its ozone-depleting ability and its contribution to global warming makes this product a major issue for many countries. The best replacement for R134a is R1234yf, while R12 refrigerant replacement was R134a. Many existing fridges and air conditioning units still use this refrigerant and work very efficiently. Its been likened to trying to convert a petrol engine to run on diesel. 1. We suggest dumping the old refrigerant oil in a clean container and inspect the oil for sludge or waxing (old oil that has gelled) and contamination (metal particles). The issue is whether you should. 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). But the problem with R12 is twofold. By using a qualified a/c shop with the proper equipment you odds are in your favor of having the job done correctly the first time. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Hence, the effect of R12 on global warming is up to 10,000 times higher than carbon dioxide. If you have a perfectly operating system using R12 you do not have to drop what you are doing and convert to R134a. We, the Rxmechanic team, have presented a well-detailed comparison of R134a vs. R12. Theres a lot of misinformation surrounding R12. What is usually sniffed are all the connections in the system: hoses and compressor, condenser, drier, expansion valve and evaporator fittings. R12, on the other hand, is called chlorofluorocarbon (CFC). R134A does not deplete the ozone layer of the earth as it is a CFC refrigerant. With R134a you do not rely on the site glass. However, if it is taken close to a fire flame or any electrical heating element, it disintegrates into toxic products. Theres no problem with using R134a in a home air conditioning system because it is a hydrofluorocarbon that doesnt cause environmental harm. 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. 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. Technicians must capture and recycle R134a safely, and the gas must be disposed of by following the EPA guidelines. Can You Use R134a Gauges On R410a? [ Answered ] - My Vehicle Talk Plus, not releasing the chemical into the air is morally justifiable. Therefore, the higher the factor of the chemical (compound), the greater its effect on global warming. For all of these reasons, the issues of conversion and performance need to be cleanly separated. On the other hand, R12 has a global warming potential of 10,910. International manufacturing of new R12 ceased in 1996, but existing R12 can still be reclaimed and purified. We have the best A/C Manifold Gauge Set and Components for the right price. Carefully study the chart and compare the following: To a large extent, the choice is up to you. We recently created this blog site to enable us to share our knowledge with other automotive mechanics and car owners. Recharge the compressor with a/c ester oil and a tracer dye. Since you will be using less R134a than R12 you do not want to rely on the driers site glass to determine if the system is full. Refrigerant Can Leak Easier For starters, R12 systems and R134a systems are designed differently to accommodate the gaseous state of each. R12 connectors were of the screw type, while R134a has push-on connectors similar to air tools. This means when lowering temperatures to -7C or below, theres a noticeable drop in the plants ability to chill the air. It belongs to a class of chemicals known as HFCs, and they dont contain chlorine, so R134a doesnt damage the ozone layer. 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. While contained within a refrigeration system, this product is safe to use and poses no risk to the planet. If your cars system has a sufficient condenser design and air flow to expel the greater amount of heat extracted by R134a, then by all means you should convert over when the time comes. Rxmechanic.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 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. They frame it as a replacement for R134a in cars and other vehicles. The safe high side pressures are determined with a PT (pressures and temperatures) chart. Versus Ferrari F8 & Lamborghini Huracan Evo Cammisas Ultimate Drag Race Replay, Ultra RARE: Colin Chapmans Lotus Eleven + 327 Corvette Stingray with 4-speed | Barn Find Hunter Ep. Once you take these precautions, it would be possible to use R134A gauges R410A systems seamlessly. For those of you who are considering what the cost is for R12 you can think of it this way: Dont go out to dinner this weekend. 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. In most cases, the systems used have varied components, designs, and service ports. When theyre in a liquid state, theyll remove heat from air passing over the pipes theyre in and slowly evaporate to form a gas. Hand in hand with this is the global warming potential (GWP), which measures the gass potential as a greenhouse gas. Refrigerant for domestic & commercial use, Mainly used in the automotive industry but can be used as a refrigerant for domestic and commercial use, Has excellent cooling properties and performs at a similar level to R134A, Has excellent cooling properties and performs at a similar level to R12. A set of R134a-specific charging port adapters should be installed to eliminate the possibility of refrigerant cross-contamination. Do a pre-inspection and then Evacuate (vacuum down) the system, the longer the evacuation the better but there is a point of diminishing return, 2-3 hours is generally very good. R12 systems used mineral oil, but unfortunately mineral oil doesnt dissolve in R134a. What Happens If You Put R134a in an R12 System? - techtown They behave in the same way when used in any form of refrigeration or air conditioning plant. R134a has an ozone depletion potential of 0, implying that it has a slight effect on the ozone layer. In contrast, the most likely reason youd consider recharging with an alternative refrigerant is because the refrigerant leaked out of your car and youre trying to avoid doing a full-on A/C rejuvenation which includes finding the leak and properly changing refrigerants. And with R134a costing only two bucks a can, converting to the new inexpensive refrigerant seemed the thing to do. You can recharge your A/C system with chicken soup (lousy refrigerant, by the way) and no black helicopters will come to your house, but in a world where people usually dont hold onto their cars forever, R134a is still the best choice for retrofit applications. So, instead of using R12, other better options include R401b, R134a, R401a, etc. Miscibility with oil: R12 can be mixed with the compressor oil no matter the operating condition. The problem was that there was not agreement on exactly what was required for the conversion. This means that its classified as a greenhouse gas and will add to the current problems of heat not escaping the earths atmosphere. In more serious, it could result in cardiac irregularities or death. This gas is then cooled via environmental means, and the gas slowly loses heat and reverts to a liquid state. Failure to abide by the EPA regulations can result in expensive fines for either you or your service technician. R134a won't provide the same level of cooling as R12, though. This is why it is crucially important that R134a systems be properly evacuated (pumped down to boil off any moisture) and kept sealed. These efforts to balance the system can not be realized if there are problems within the a/c system, such as: poor performing compressor, dirty condenser or poor air flow through the condenser, malfunctioning expansion valve, water or air in the system, improperly operating fresh air or heat input in the climate-air mixing system.
Gowise Air Fryer Recall,
Articles D