30 lb. of R-12

[bb71challenger]

When you really get down to it, R-12 is a much better refrigerant. I have heard but do not know for certain, that r-134 has just as much of an impact on the atmosphere as R-12. When the old horse is dying under you, you have to find another one to ride and is just what they did. All these regulations are just silly anyway. There are many many experienced shade trees that can install parts, pull a vacuum and add oil/refrigerant to a system.

[Supercuda]

I agree that there are many experienced shadetree mechanics out there that can handle refrigerant service. However, there are many more of both the DIY and professional mechanics out there that should be kept far away from anything that has such a great potential for harm in the wrong hands. Have you heard of Freeze-12? Horrible, dangerous stuff, and used by way too many people trying to cut corners. This is one aspect of the auto repair industry that should be tightly regulated, to protect the service technician/mechanic, the public, and our environment. I have nothing but the deepest respect for the damage that improperly handled refrigerants can cause, and I have breathed a small amount of phosgene gas, courtesy of an accidental release of R-12 against a hot exhaust manifold, which burned the R-12 and released the gas. Not pretty, and I am a certified professional that is careful in his work. I have seen the results, and heard the horror stories, associated with the improper use of tools and products in HVAC service. I am not against making a buck, I just want there to be some accountability.

[bb71challenger]

Isn't Freeze12 like propane or something similar? I have a buddy who used it but I would not touch any of that cheap imitation crap mainly because I dont think they are very stable at all and secondly I dont think the cooling qualities are up to par.

[Supercuda]

Yes, the major component of Freeze-12 is propane. Can you say "BOOM"? It has ruined many a car. It also ruins many an A/C recycling machine, and countless refrigerant service workstations and gauge sets. R-22 also gets thrown at the automotive market as an alternative, but is totally incompatible with mobile A/C applications. Like I said, this is one place where regulation is a good thing.

[bb71challenger]

Is R-22 still used for residential units? I always wondered because although R-12 was banned I never heard anything about R-22.

[Supercuda]

As far as I know, R-22 is still out there, and used in closed, fixed-location applications. I guess it's time for a home HVAC expert to chime in.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

As far as I know, R-22 is still out there, and used in closed, fixed-location applications. I guess it's time for a home HVAC expert to chime in.

2 years ago I know this was true. I haven't heard of anything different lately.

[Moparal]

I bought some r22 last year. You can still get it. You need a certificate though

[Aussie Challenger]

  At least you can still get and use R12, here in Australia it is out right banned     Dupont cannot make any more millions $$$ out of it so they had it discredited and banned.    
  When I imported my car into Australia I had to show the authorities that it didn,t  contain R12.   
  There are a few people who have stock pilled R12 but don't advertise they have it. Several shady operators were using propane but most of them have been stopped.   
  R12 was the best and works well in all systems, R134a will be replaced in the coming years as Dupont stop making their millions $$$ from it, and cycle will keep going on.      

[bb71challenger]

  At least you can still get and use R12, here in Australia it is out right banned     Dupont cannot make any more millions $$$ out of it so they had it discredited and banned.    
  When I imported my car into Australia I had to show the authorities that it didn,t  contain R12.   
  There are a few people who have stock pilled R12 but don't advertise they have it. Several shady operators were using propane but most of them have been stopped.   
  R12 was the best and works well in all systems, R134a will be replaced in the coming years as Dupont stop making their millions $$$ from it, and cycle will keep going on.      

You hit the nail right on the head. From all I have gleaned, R-12 has actually LESS of an environmental impact than R-134 but since Dupont lost the patent they started a massive campaign to have it banned so they could trot out their better mousetrap. When the lose the patent on R-134 they will claim it depletes ozone and introduce another planet saver refrigerant. Big business pretty much does what it wants.