Can anyone buy the alternative refrigerants and retrofit kits?
If it's R134a the answer is yes. For all other "acceptable for use" refrigerants the answer is No. Only Section 609 certified technicians can purchase R12 or any of the alternative refrig |
Can I legally use HC-12a / OZ-12 for use in R134a cars, or in industrial refrigeration applications?
The EPA, while not having jurisdiction over the use of replacement refrigerant for R134a, does not allow the use of these refrigerants as replacement refrigerants for R134a. However, HC-12a and OZ-12 |
Can I recycle alternative refrigerants?
In a recent letter, the EPA said refrigerant blends used in MVACs could be recycled provided that the recycling equipment meets a new Underwriters Laboratory (UL) standard and the refrigerant is retu |
Can two refrigerants be mixed and still work?
No . If you already have your 609 certification you do not need to obtain any additional training or certification. |
Do I need be concerned about A/C component warranties if I retrofit a system to an alternative refrigerant?
Yes. If a contaminated or alternative refrigerant is used–knowingly or unknowingly –the original factory warranties on the A/C system (including components, i.e, compressor, evaporator, etc.) t |
Do I need to do anything special to retrofit an old R12 system to a R134a system?
Yes . According to EPA regulations, the use of any alternative refrigerant to replace R-12 requiresat a minimum that;
Unique service fittings be used in order to minimize the risk of cross-cont |
Does the EPA test alternative refrigerants for performance in cars?
No. The SNAP program evaluates substitutes only for their effect on human health and the environment, and not for performance or durability. None of the alternative refrigerants have been endorsed by |
Honeywell Solstice yf refrigerant Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet Environmental Impact Development Milestones Occupational Health and Safety Brochures Fact Sheet
Solstice yf refrigerant
Developed for auto air conditioning
Environmentally pre |
How can I know what refrigerant is in an A/C system?
There is no way of truly knowing what refrigerant is in an A/C system unless you use a refrigerant identifier. Of course the EPA mandates the use of unique fittings and labels for each refrigerant, ho |
How many refrigerants are currently "acceptable for use" in cars today?
Twelve (12) alternative refrigerants are currently legal for use in mobile air conditioning systems today. |
I heard a story about HC-12a / OZ-12, are they flammable refrigerants? And what is the full story?
According to the EPA HC-12a and OZ-12 brand hydrocarbon refrigerant blends are flammable refrigerants. Their primary components are hydrocarbons, which are flammable substances like propane and |
I heard of propane or butane being used in A/C systems, is this true?
Yes . There have been some documented cases where technicians have found 100% hydrocarbons in an A/C system. In this situation, it is acceptable to vent this gas –recovering this would cause too much |
What do all OEMs (car manufacturers) currently use in all of their cars?
All OEMs use R134a and have done so in all cars beginning with model year 1995. However, some cars prior to 1995 had factory R134a systems installed. Many service technicians believe that R-134a is on |
What do I do with contaminated refrigerant?
Contaminated refrigerant requires special handling and special record keeping. Make sure you follow these guidelines to the letter –if you don't you could be exposing yourself to potential EPA |
What does R-22 do to a typical MVAC (mobile vehicle air conditioning) system?
Refrigerant HCFC-22 (R-22) is a base refrigerant in over 80% of the SNAP listed alternative refrigerant blends. And R-22 is widely used and acceptable in the HVAC market.
But why isn't R |
What happens when a hydrocarbon such as propane or butane is used in an A/C system?
The performance of the A/C system is actually not hampered by the use of these gases, however, the safety of the user of the vehicle is. If there is a leak in any part of the A/C system or a front-end |
Why can't we continue to use R12?
Since the early 1970s scientist have been watching a hole grow in the ozone layer. And because of this ozone problem, over 150 countries agreed to stop the production of CFCs. This agreem |
Will we ever have problems obtaining supplies of R134a?
The answer may not be so easy. According to recent (early 1999) industry news, there may not be enough HFC-134a (R-134a) to go around. Early warnings from the European market have begun, |