Cool Capitalist: The 100th Anniversary of the Air Conditioner

The Washington Times ^ | July 21, 2006 | Edward Hudgins

[backhoe]

In the "sorta for what it's worth" department, there is a new, drop-in replacement for automotive air conditioner refrigerants, called hc-12a. It's hydrocarbon-based, so it doesn't fall afoul of the draconian regulations for CFC ( freon ), and they make claims ( backed, of course, by their own charts ) of lower temperatures, lower head pressure ( less horsepower & wear ), self-lubricating, etc.

Well, long story short, I tried it in the Zook, and it reads about 5 degrees colder versus the R-134a it replaced.

Here's one ( there are several, search ) supplier:
http://www.foxtoolsupply.com/HC-12a.htm

For your consideration.

[Ed Hudgins]

Oil is indeed formed by natural processes but over very long periods of time, millions of years. That's why I think in centuries to come will drain most of it or it will simply become too costly to extract. But not to worry! It was the human mind, which figured out how to make use of oil and to extract and refine it. And if we can avoid a complete anti-reason culture and avoid harsh government regulations, individual minds will figure out how to make the matter and energy in the world around us serve our purposes!

[backhoe]

We didn't have AC when I was growing up either. With the exception of a few movie theaters and restaurants, I don't remember AC in widespread use until the late 1960s, early 70s. Most new automobiles didn't feature it until the 70s and even then it was an option.

Yep- we had a house on the Atlantic ocean when I grew up-- attic fans, pedestal fans, oscillating fans, hassock fans-- and for the last weeks of August and the first of September, you slept about an hour before awaking, soaked. Despite all those fans drawing hot air over you.

The stores had AC, and advertised "Come on IN! It's 20 degrees COOLER inside!"

[Ed Hudgins]

Capitalism at its best!

[Inyo-Mono]

The stores had AC, and advertised "Come on IN! It's 20 degrees COOLER inside!"

Boy, do I remember that! Those places were havens for the hot traveler. Do you remember after market swamp coolers for your car? My Dad had one that looked like a jet engine mounted on the passenger window of our 1960 Volkswagon and another in our '56 Olds that mounted on the floorboard under the dash that you had to add ice to.

[backhoe]

Do you remember after market swamp coolers for your car? My Dad had one that looked like a jet engine mounted on the passenger window of our 1960 Volkswagon and another in our '56 Olds that mounted on the floorboard under the dash that you had to add ice to.

I saw stuff like that, but we never had them- Dad didn't like air conditioning... ironic, since his business had an HVAC division!

[Ed Hudgins]

Very good!