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Automotive Air Conditioners

O-rings on some applications may also have to be replaced with materials such as HNBR or Neoprene W that are compatible with R-134a. On some applications, the conversion process isn't so easy because the compressor seals are Viton that is incompatible with R-134a. Some OEM compressors are also not rugged enough to withstand the higher operating pressures of R-134a. Consequently, converting one of these systems requires a new compressor, which would not be cost-justified unless the compressor had failed and needed replacing anyway.

Factory R-12 systems generally use mineral oil while R-134a systems use various types of PAG (polyalkylene glycol) oil because mineral oil does not mix with R-134a and PAG oil does not mix with R-12. Some conversions also require replacing the high-pressure cutoff switch and/or orifice tube or expansion valve with ones calibrated for R-134a.

It's important to note that the conversion process is not something for do-it-yourselfers. It's for professional technicians who have obtained an EPA-approved certification in R-12 recovery and recycling procedures and have the required service equipment to make the necessary changes.

The demand for R-134a conversions will grow as the remaining supplies of virgin and recycled R-12 disappear. As long as R-12 is still available, there's no reason not to continue using it because R-12 poses no environmental threat as long as it remains inside a vehicle's A/C system. A/C systems designed to operate with R-12 refrigerant cool best with R-12. Converting to R-134a may also reduce cooling performance slightly. OEM's recommend using R-12 as long as it is available. The system should be retrofitted to R-134a when R-12 is no longer available or the compressor system fails.

If major system repairs are required, though, such as a new compressor, condenser or evaporator, now is a good time to go ahead and convert the system to R-134a. Why? Because R-12 is running out and getting more and more expensive every day. Sooner or later conversion will become a necessity, so better to do it now when the added cost to do it would be minimal.

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