Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick Lee
When did they switch to R134? I'm assuming I have that, but am not sure.
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Early 90s. As a result of the Montreal Protocol, CFCs production stopped and many temporary refrigerants were introduced.
R134a was not suppose to be a temporary refrigerant though. It is not just used in automotive applications but in everything from home refrigerators to large centrifugal chillers that cool office buildings and hospitals.
The real problem with refrigerants is not the proper use and recovery of the refrigerant, it is use by the manufacturers of blown foam products that also have legal access to these refrigerants for producing their products.
The automotive sector is also a bit of a problem due to the fact that it is essentially mobile air conditioning that is subjected to high heat, vibration and lack of regular service and leak checks. Most problem systems come in empty.
Now most pure refrigerants are going bye bye and we will have to deal with whatever the new designer blend of gasses are offered to us.
Oh R134a is a contributor to global warming in case you were wondering.
It is interesting that new compounds are introduced as a solution only to later be determined to cause other problems.
Keep your cool!