Posted on 05/28/2016 6:59:35 AM PDT by central_va
Just to clarify - R12 is the common refrigerant used in automotive applications before 1994/1995. To buy the stuff and handle it/use it - one is supposed to have EPA 609 Certification. It has been phased out (no longer manufactured - but some supplies still exist...). Newer vehicles use R134. [Many people converted their automotive system by removing the old R12, removing the old compressor oil, putting on adapter ports, putting in new oil that is compatible with the R134, and then adding the proper R134 charge. Works...but not as optimum because the R134 operational pressures are a bit different (higher) than the R12.]
Refrigerant R22 is the common refrigerant used in home A/C or Heat Pumps, maybe refrigerators, freezers, etc. To buy the stuff, handle/use it...one is supposed to have EPA 608 Certification (and there are Type I (small applicance, small amount of refrigerant), Type II (larger systems...), Type III (low pressure system - different refrigerant BTW) - or a Type IV - Universal - which means the person has Type I, II and III. For the high pressure systems, R22 has been replaced with R410 - which is NO ‘drop in’ replacement, and operates at higher pressures (maybe 50%).
As noted, R22 is also no longer manufactured, but when an old unit is decommissioned, the EPA-licensed person is supposed to pull out/capture the old R-22. That can be turned in for recycling (reclamation or ??) to be sold as equivalent to new. It is NOT really feasible to swap in R410 into a R22 appliance.
Boy, sure would love to be able to use evaporative cooling. I’m in Georgia, so I’m stuck with AC.
In winter, I mainly use direct natural gas heat from a 100 year old radiant heater down in my man cave. Bought it to match the décor, but found it to be outstanding at keeping the first two levels of my home comfy along with a burner or two on the stove.
Summer on the other hand is expensive.
I grew up in New Orleans with no AC. Only a whole house fan.
Thank God for AC!
I’m willing to bet How Much??
I have the bottle right here. It has been 1 1/2 years since I bought it and I just used the last of it yesterday for my Daughters AC. The ONLY thing I use a “replacement” for is R12 stuff. I am going Tuesday to buy more R22, I will let you know the wholesale price for the real stuff.
Your lucky to have the natural gas. Had an amazing old coal boiler with the old radiators in my last house. I converted to propane .. Still didn’t keep the place warm but was a big cold house nothing woukd have worked in ..
Not much in the way of water systems used in Calif except on Commercial.
Well good luck w your AC rescue.
Stay cool.
Freegards
Unless you find someone willing to sell it for cash under the table, you are going to need a little card that says you are 608 certified.
Even 609 certification won’t let you purchase R22.
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