difference between r12 and r134a gauges

However, you will need different recovery machines and other equipment to handle R1234yf. These guidelines are strictly enforced, and contravention of them can lead to severe penalties being imposed. Not so fast. However, some old air conditioning units still use them. A significant investment. Rob Siegel has been writing the column The Hack Mechanic for BMW CCA Roundel magazine for 30 years. 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. 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. In addition to this, federal laws prohibit the topping up of an R12 system with R134a and vice versa. Buy online for free next day delivery or same day pickup at a store near you. Attach the R134a charge port adaptors, there are two types.. one of which you need to remove the old R12 valve cores. This means that when using R134a, the compressor should be oiled with Polyalkylene Glycol or PAG oil. You can order a personally inscribed copy here. It is made up of carbon, hydrogen, and fluorine. To prevent refrigerant loss you should consider replacing your old hose lines with barrier type hose. R134a systems operate at higher discharge-side pressures than R12, which can cause compressor seals to leak. The global warming potential of R134a is 1430. Ed. Certainly no one selling cans of R12 on Craigslist is asking for your EPA 609 card. R12 and R134a are not the only game in town. As this product is highly damaging to the environment, the environmental treaty signed in Montreal in 1987 stopped the use of CFC refrigerants, which included R12. 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. As these refrigerants are slowly phased out, there are still many questions that people have about them. Its found in domestic and commercial refrigeration and air conditioning. Make sure to wear safety gloves, goggles, and shoes when theres a possibility of exposure to the chemical (R134a). It has a lower global warming potential than R134a. 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. Many vehicles that contain this type of refrigerant will continue using it. The typical scenario here is when the car owner buys an inexpensive retro-fit kit from the local auto parts store. As a result, each refrigerant's system requirements are quite . 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. The conversion to more modern refrigerants will require a replacement of the system, which will cause issues in terms of originality when showing this type of vehicle. R134a is NOT less efficient than R12 - Actually R134a is more efficient. Then subtract 0.25 pounds. Whenever its exposed to the environment, it changes to a gas. This boiling point means that itll condense with moderate pressure, so applications can use a lower pressure condenser to achieve the same results. With R134a you do not rely on the site glass. This chemical is an excellent refrigerant liquid. On the other hand, R12 has a global warming potential of 10,910. 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). Yes, theres a certain irony in the fact that weve gone full-circle from the invasive youll need to replace almost everything including the compressor and hoses in order to properly convert R12 to R134a to you dont need to replace all that much; just flush it, new oil, new drier and o-rings, and back to youll need to replace almost everything including the compressor, hoses, and the condenser. But this change has occurred both because the cars are that much older than they were when the R12 to R134a change occurred in the mid-1990s, and there is now a better understanding of the need to take advantage of updated compressors and condensers in order to get the A/C systems to blow adequately cold with R134a. Theres no problem with using R134a in a home air conditioning system because it is a hydrofluorocarbon that doesnt cause environmental harm. Its been used in the refrigeration industry for a long time, so theres a large body of knowledge established around the product. The major difference between these two refrigerants is their chemical composition. Any new installation of refrigeration or air conditioning wont use R134a as a refrigerant as the production and importation of this gas to the US has been banned. This is a highly desirable property as it means that the boiling point is always below the targeted temperature. 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. R22, or to give it its proper chemical name, chlorodifluoromethane (CHCIF), is a colorless, odorless, non-toxic, non-flammable alternative to older refrigerants. In addition, there was the lubricant issue. All compressors require oils to lubricate the moving parts. Refrigerant 12 or Freon 12 is colloquially known as R12. The common problem when converting from R12 to R134a is lack of knowledge or equipment. 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). 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. Hand in hand with this is the global warming potential (GWP), which measures the gass potential as a greenhouse gas. Most countries frown on the use of these gasses due to their environmental impact. Nevertheless, if your application is configured only for R12, then you can use it or consider replacing the applications engine. The air conditioning system in your car uses a combination of evaporation and condensation to cool the interior. Recharge the compressor with a/c ester oil and a tracer dye. When the sensor detects the refrigerant leak the sniffers lights glow and the sniffer makes a noise. Replace the drier with a drier that has a desiccant that is R134a compatible, use new R134a o-rings. R134a isnt as efficient in cooling as R12. Its often said that R12 is no longer available. He passed. 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. Even if youre OK with that, if the system needs work, any refrigerant in it will need to be recovered. Lets take you through the advantages, disadvantages, and differences of these two refrigerants a detailed comparison including R12 vs R134a performance. Motor manufacturers in the USA used R134a in air conditioning systems for new cars from 1994. Get it as soon as Thursday, Apr 20. Energy usage: R134a is less efficient in cooling compared to R12. As for R134a and R1234yf, theres no room for conversion. While contained within a refrigeration system, this product is safe to use and poses no risk to the planet. R12 is considered to be superior in cooling to R134a. Environmental Impact: When R134a escapes into the atmosphere, it contributes to global warming. R12, on the other hand, is called chlorofluorocarbon (CFC). 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. The next piece of equipment to track down leaks is a leak sniffer. The only time this product will be unsafe for humans is if its exposed to flame, when it breaks down into toxic substances or if its discharged into the air. 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. Its among the greenhouse gases and will keep adding the current problem of heat not leaving the earths atmosphere. Theres a lot of misinformation surrounding R12. It belongs to a class of chemicals known as HFCs, and they dont contain chlorine, so R134a doesnt damage the ozone layer. Also, it can be used with all types of compressors. 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. No, its not possible to mix these two refrigerants. On this website we are addressing only R134a and not other suggested drop in replacements. When the ambient air temps get above 80F the gauge readings can run a bit higher on the high side and lower on the low side when using R134a. Note that there is another kind of oil called Polyol Ester Oil (POE). That doesnt mean to say that theyre no longer used. This is measured using a factor known as ODP (ozone depletion potential). Failure to abide by the EPA regulations can result in expensive fines for either you or your service technician. Its likely that these plants, which will be expensive to convert, will continue to use R12 with careful maintenance. R134a is a greenhouse gas, while R1234yf has a lower global warming . However, if it is taken close to a fire flame or any electrical heating element, it disintegrates into toxic products. Refrigerant: Must be EPA-approved and cannot be intentionally released (vented) into the environment. Condensers designed to release greater amounts of heat help to expel the greater amount of heat which R134a removes from the cars interior. Like R12, this product is non-toxic, non-flammable, and not explosive. 29. Because A/C compressors have moving parts, they require oil. A qualified technician should vacuum out the gas and the refrigerant changed for something more modern and environmentally sympathetic. There are other EPA-approved refrigerants such as Hot Shot and Freeze 12, which you can find here. Were most familiar with water, which we see as ice when its cold, liquid when its at room temperature, and steam when we boil it. R134a isnt toxic, corrosive, explosive, or flammable, making it a good choice for air conditioning, but its cooling properties arent as good as R12. 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. These applications will - due to browser restrictions - send data between your browser and our server. You should keep in mind that recharging your air conditioner improperly could result in more serious damage. That doesnt mean to say that there are still many thousands of existing installations that are running refrigeration plants using this refrigerant to cool them. Kuehl is a registered trademark of Griffiths Technical Inc. Griffiths Technical Inc is not associated with Porsche Cars North America. Before landing on the debate of R134 vs R12 you should know that both R134a and R12 are AC refrigerants types used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Piston Slap: Booting a Torino in a snap without snaps? When the temperature is reduced to-7C or below, the plants ability to cool the airdrops significantly. This would become an expensive investment for a repair or service station to have unique dedicated equipment for every type of alternative refrigerant. Any old black o-rings should be replaced with R134a-compliant green o-rings. This gas is then cooled via environmental means, and the gas slowly loses heat and reverts to a liquid state. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Both of these products are refrigerants. Over time, a credible middle ground emerged. R134A does not deplete the ozone layer of the earth as it is a CFC refrigerant. Here are a few of the more common questions. Statisicaly your friend was lucky. 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. Thank you! Why racetracks are giving hybrids and EVs the cold shoulder, Rearview cameras have been around longer than you think, At $720,000, this Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina is looking for its top, For roadster lovers, Mazdas Miata is (still) the answer, National Council of Corvette Clubs lifts competition ban on E-Ray, How fast is the Corvette E-Ray? R134a reacts with water to form hydrofluoric acid which damages the internal A/C components. In contrast, older CFC refrigerants had an ODP of 1. Moreso, it had been banned. The most common influences which effect the capability of R134a to perform well are the condenser, in some cases the the superheat setting of the expansion valve or the amount of R134a. Note also that, unlike mineral oil, both PAG oil and ester oil are hygroscopicthat is, they absorb water. R12 systems used mineral oil, but unfortunately mineral oil doesnt dissolve in R134a. By noting the ambient temperature you can look up what the preferred high side pressure should be. You can get it and use it. Second, as youll see below, if you have to perform work on an A/C system that has refrigerant in it, it is illegal to vent the refrigerant (to let it escape into the atmosphere); it must be captured and recovered. Using the specs for the current system, multiply the R12 charge by 0.9 or 90% to determine the refrigerant capacity. However, take note that R134a refrigerants are manufactured specifically for automotive air conditioners. The name of the oil is Polyol Ester (POE). Theres no doubt that R12 refrigerant is one of the first compounds manufactured for the air conditioning and refrigeration world, but it had to be banned. R134a refrigerant is lighter than R12. Doesnt contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer. The problem is that some inexpensive available refrigerantsammonia and propane, for exampleare poisonous and/or flammable. EPA is authorized to assess fines of up to $37,500 per day for any violation of these regulations.. Disconnect the two hose lines to the compressor, protect the ends from getting dirty. Bottom line, R134a simply doesn't cool as well as R12. 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? They frame it as a replacement for R134a in cars and other vehicles. All signatories to the Montreal Treaty stopped the production of CFC products. At this point it is time to make an appointment with the a/c shop. R134a replaced R12 from 1994 onwards. 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. The service ports in both systems are quick-connect, but they are taller in the yf systems to avoid cross-contamination. Santech R12 to R134a Coupler Conversion Kit. Best for varieties of operating conditions: Its boiling point is -21.6 Celsius. R12 and R134a are older types of refrigerants that are considered to be dangerous to the environment today. All these industries still have old plants that use these refrigerants. Additionally, R134a was introduced as a replacement for R22 and R12 in high and medium-temperature refrigeration systems like domestic and commercial chillers. 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. You do not need to replace every o-ring in the system, but if you happen to open a connection that has an o-ring you should replace the old o-ring with one that is compatible with R134a and lubricate the o-ring with ac oil. R134a was the replacement refrigerant for R12. ZENY 3,5CFM Single-Stage 5 Pa Rotary Vane Economy Vacuum Pump 3 CFM 1/4HP Air Conditioner Refrigerant HVAC Air Tool R410a 1/4" Flare Inlet . We consider the the various types alternative refrigerants that are illegal or not approved to be in two sectors: non-flammables and flammables. This means that its classified as a greenhouse gas and will add to the current problems of heat not escaping the earths atmosphere. Also, the EPA 609 certification can be easily obtained by taking an online exam. Theyll continue to work for many years, as replacement is costly. Typically 5 to 6 ounces of a/c oil is adequate but this may vary depending upon the car. Pressure Temperature Table If it is adjustable there will be an adjustment screw between the two terminals. Low refrigerating effect per pound: In comparison to other refrigerants, the refrigerating effect of R12 per pound is low. Start the car again and add R12A to bring the low side pressure to about 32 psi. Ensure you contact a professional mechanic to do the work for you so you dont end up incurring more costs for yourself. 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 . However, R12 refrigerants are still used as fire retardants in aircraft and submarines. 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 new player in the market is HFO-1234yf (R-1234yf), which is considered ozone-friendly and has a GWP of less than 1. Since 2010, all home AC systems manufactured use a refrigerant like R134a that has zero ozone depletion potential (ODP). R134a has a smaller molecule than R12 so R134a will leak out sooner than R12. R134a is a pure refrigerant that is sometimes used in blends, while R410a is itself a blend. His new book, Just Needs a Recharge: The Hack Mechanic Guide to Vintage Air Conditioning, is now available on Amazon. With a tight modernized system thatll accept either refrigerant, you should then consider where and how the system will be operated. 2021 Complete Guide. The biggest difference between the two is that R1234yf is mildly flammable and does require special handling. Also, look for a blue sticker that gives the date of conversion. Next, add a can of R12a from the low side fitting while running your A/C. Unfortunately, taking the longer view of things, even if you do leak-test a car thoroughly and properly all A/C systems leak eventually, so any can of R12 you put into a car will likely wind up in the atmosphere, an eventuality that I am less and less comfortable with. These properties make it popular for domestic and commercial refrigeration. R134A has an ODP of zero, meaning that it has a negligible effect on the ozone layer. These factors make it a safe product for a technician to work with. R134a has an ozone depletion potential of zero and a global warming potential of 1430. In addition, R134a refrigerants are not only used in auto air conditioners, they can be used in freezers, aerosol cans, and refrigerators. Being a CFC, this product depletes the earths ozone layer, contributing to global warming. In Stock. However, it must be noted that itll disintegrate into toxic compounds when exposed to flame. This means that this compound is made up of carbon, chlorine, and fluorine. 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. After the optimum refrigerant charge is determined the car should be test driven to check for performance of the system. And with R134a costing only two bucks a can, converting to the new inexpensive refrigerant seemed the thing to do. If you have a perfectly operating system using R12 you do not have to drop what you are doing and convert to R134a. There is R744, which is literally carbon dioxide (CO2). Its often said that buying or selling R12 is illegal. Hot spot auto parts .ca sells R12a for about $10/can and a $10 ALL IN ONE can with oil. With the knowledge of the differences, youll be able to draw a comparison between R12 vs R134a efficiency. This product is safe to use in that its not toxic, flammable, or explosive. What is usually sniffed are all the connections in the system: hoses and compressor, condenser, drier, expansion valve and evaporator fittings. It is usually sold under the brand name, Freon 12. Converting them is extremely expensive, and in many cases, replacement is the only option available. The biggest problem that youll have is the oil in the system. R12 is extremely stable and wont deteriorate operating under the most extreme conditions. The higher the ambient temperature the higher the high side pressure. For instance you can evacuate FRIGC FR-12 into a refrigerant recovery bottle that has R134a in it or visa versa. In large application systems, the vapor density of this refrigerant is usually high. In the years following the switch to R134a, there was confusion over what was required to maintain the A/C of older cars. The compressors used by refrigeration plants to compress gas require oil to help lubricate its moving parts. Refrigerant 134a, or R134a, was developed as an alternative to the CFC refrigerants known to cause environmental damage. 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. 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. R12 connectors were of the screw type, while R134a has push-on connectors similar to air tools. However, you need calibrated gauges for R410A. R12 is recognized as a very stable compound, and it wont break down under even the most stringent conditions, but if it comes in contact with flames or electrical heating elements, it breaks down into toxic components. As this chemical has both chlorine and fluorine in its make-up, it belongs to the group of chemicals known as CFCs or chlorofluorocarbons. We don't save this data. The global warming potential is a factor that measures the amount of heat trapped by any gas when compared to the amount of heat trapped by the same amount of carbon dioxide. The original expansion valves work very well with R134a. R134a was developed to replace R12, so it works over the same range of applications. 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. R12 uses mineral oil, but R134a wont dissolve in mineral oil. The hose length is 60 inches and comes with a 1-year warranty. Also, the fittings and hoses should be perfectly compatible with R410A. 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.

When Is The Next Fed Meeting 2022, Speak For Yourself Cancelled, Penny Ramsey Survivor Now, 1978 Ucla Women's Basketball Roster, Articles D