[DML] Re: Air conditioning from R12 to R13

[William T Wilson <fluffy@xxxx>]

On Mon, 20 Mar 2000, David Jacobs (NEC) wrote:

> conditioner from R12 to R13? I have seen kits at the auto store that
> claim that it is a simple matter of just changing the coolant. 

You probably mean R134. The short answer is: No, no, no, do not do this,
unless you absolutely have to. R134 does not cool as well as R12 and so,
your A/C will not be as effective (and the DeLorean A/C is not a marvel of
refrigeration as it is). Secondly, R134 operates at much higher pressure
than R12. Because of this it is likely you will convert a perfectly good
R12 system into a leaky R134 system.

If you have a working A/C, just leave it alone. R12 doesn't destroy the
ozone layer if it stays in your air conditioner. (in fact, evidence that
it destroys the ozone layer at all is a bit sparse). If your A/C leaks
already, R134 will just make it worse. Contrary to popular belief (and
what lots of air conditioner shops will tell you) it *is* legal to
recharge R12 based systems and the R12 refrigerant is readily available,
if a bit expensive. And if you have a leaky A/C already, R134 will just
make it worse.