&EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
EPA430-F-97-052
June 1997
Air and Radiation (6205J)
It's Your Choice
Retrofitting Your Car's A/C
System
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EPA is grateful for the
participation of repre-
sentatives of vehicle,
chemical, and parts manufactur-
ers, testing laboratories, training
organizations, and automobile
technicians in developing this
brochure,
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Do you own a motor vehicle with air condi-
tioning manufactured before 1995? If so,
your air conditioning system may contain
ozone- depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
Chemical manufacturers are no longer allowed to
produce CFCs, and prices will continue to rise as sup-
plies dwindle.
CFC-12 is the refrigerant, often known as Freon-12tm,
used in most motor vehicle air conditioners made
before 1995. If your car uses CFC-12, the next time
you need to repair your air conditioning system, you
can either:
1. Retrofit the air conditioning system, by having
new parts installed that allow it to use a non-
CFC based refrigerant;
2. Repair and recharge the air conditioning system
with CFC-12, and pay more for CFC-12 since
supplies are limited. Remember, the supply of
CFC-12 will eventually run out.
Which choice is better? If you retrofit, which refriger-
ant should you use? Why are CFCs being phased out
anyway? All the answers you need to know are in this
booklet.
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Motor Vehicle Air Conditioners
and the Environment:
What's the Connection?
The ozone layer protects the earth from the sun's harmful
ultraviolet (UV) rays. You've heard about ozone depletion,
but did you know the CFC-based refrigerants used in your car's
air conditioning system may be part of the cause? When
released into the air, CFCs from your car's air conditioning sys-
tem damage the ozone layer.
CFCs break down and destroy ozone molecules in the strato-
sphere. As the ozone layer is destroyed, more and more UV
rays reach the earth. Too much UV radiation causes human
health problems, such as:
• Skin cancer
Cataracts
• Weakened immune systems
UV radiation also can damage:
Crops
Livestock
• Ecosystems
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Chlorine from CFCs attacks ozone molecules. A thinner ozone layer leads to high-
er levels of harmful ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth, harming human health
and the environment.
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'haseout
Over 160 countries, including the United States, have signed
an agreement to stop making several ozone-depleting
substances, including CFC-12. This agreement, known as the
Montreal Protocol, became a law in the
United States under the federal Clean
Air Act.
Scientists predict that
if all countries comply
with the Montreal
Protocol, the ozone
layer will recover by
2050.
Since the end of 1995, CFC refrigerants
have not been manufactured in the
United States. Scientists predict that if all
countries comply with the Montreal
Protocol, the ozone layer will recover
by 2050.
Does Your Vehicle's Air Conditioning
System Use CFC-12?
H
ow can you determine if your vehicle's air conditioning
system uses CFC-12?
If your vehicle was made before 1992, the air conditioning
system uses CFC-12.
If your vehicle was made in 1992, 1993, or 1994, your air
conditioning system might use CFC-12. In 1992, a few
vehicle manufacturers began using a refrigerant called HFC-
134a that does not destroy ozone. The older the car, the
more likely that CFC-12 is being used. You can find a refrig-
erant identification label on the air conditioning compressor
or elsewhere inside the engine compartment. You can also
ask your service technician or vehicle manufacturer.
If your vehicle was made in 1995 or later, it does not use
CFC-12. By 1995, all vehicle manufacturers were using the
new, ozone-safe HFC-134a refrigerant in every vehicle
made.
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To Retrofit or to Repair and Recharge
with CFC-12?
w
I hat can you do if your CFC-based air conditioning
system needs to be repaired? You have two choices:
Retrofit:
Although some cars are not candidates for retrofits, most
cars' air conditioning systems can be converted by installing
new parts that allow them to use an environmentally accept-
able refrigerant. Retrofitting will help protect the ozone layer
and may:
Save you money on future repairs and on the purchase
of refrigerant.
• Possibly increase the value of your vehicle.
Save you the expense and inconvenience of trying to
locate CFC-12 as supplies run out.
Repair and Recharge with CFC-12:
You can keep using CFC-12 for repairs until the current sup-
ply is depleted. This may be the most economic option if you
are not planning to keep your car for very long. There are
no laws requiring you to retrofit your air conditioning system.
You should consider
cost and availability
of CFC-12 when
deciding whether to
retrofit your car's air
conditioning system.
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What You Should Know About
Retrofitting
There are two types of retrofits available:
1. a. High-performance retrofit with HFC-134a: The vehicle
manufacturer recommends specific procedures and
parts to be used, including HFC-134a as the refrigerant.
b. Economy retrofit with HFC-134a: HFC-134a is still used
as the refrigerant, but this retrofit typically does not
include all the procedures or parts recommended by
the vehicle manufacturer. Vehicle manufacturers do not
recommend economy retrofits.
2. Economy retrofit with blends: This system uses a blend of
refrigerants that contains a mixture of several chemicals.
Vehicle manufacturers do not approve of or recommend
retrofits using refrigerants other than HFC-134a.
The differences among these retrofits are explained in more
detail in the table on page 10.
The high-performance
retrofit might be more
expensive than the
economy retrofits but
could save you money
in the long run.
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Retrofits entail:
• Labeling: All retrofitted systems must include refrigerant
labels that specify which refrigerant is used. This helps pre-
vent contamination of air conditioning systems and refrig-
erant supplies.
Replacing service fittings: All retrofitted systems must use
unique fittings that match the refrigerant used.
Adding and recycling refrigerant: During the retrofit pro-
cedure, the original refrigerant (CFC-12) is removed and
recycled. New refrigerant is then added.
Depending on the retrofit, additional parts may have to be
replaced or the system components altered.
Note: Technicians handling air
conditioner refrigerants
must be certified by the
U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency
(EPA).
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Points to Keep in Mind About
Refrigerants
The new refrigerants listed as acceptable by EPA may not
work in every vehicle. Ask your vehicle manufacturer, ser-
vice technician, or refrigerant manufacturer if you should
retrofit or continue to use CFC-12.
Be sure the refrigerant used in your vehicle is meant to be
a substitute for CFC-12, not a substitute for HFC-134a.
Do not retrofit your vehicle if it already uses HFC-134a; this
would void your warranty and could damage the system.
• Make sure your service facility uses refrigerants listed as
acceptable by EPA. A list of acceptable refrigerants is avail-
able through EPA's Hotline at 800 296-1996.
EPA reviews refrigerants to ensure they are not flammable
and do not pose risks to human health or the environ-
ment. EPA does not, however, test or judge how well a
refrigerant will work in a particular vehicle.
Refrigerants currently undergoing EPA review may be legal-
ly sold but may ultimately be judged unacceptable by EPA.
A prudent vehicle owner will insist that the refrigerant
used has final EPA acceptance.
• Vehicle manufacturers only recommend using HFC-134a
for retrofitting, because (1) it is the only refrigerant that
meets manufacturers' performance and durability require-
ments, (2) it is widely available and inexpensive, and (3)
you will be able to obtain service for an air conditioning
system using HFC-134a almost anywhere in the United
States.
Use of refrigerants other than HFC-134a may void air
conditioning warranties.
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It is illegal to replace CFCs with refrigerants consist-
ing primarily of pure propane, butane, other hydro-
carbons, or other flammable substances. Vehicles
presently designed to use CFC-12 should NEVER be
retrofitted or repaired with a flammable refrigerant.
Fifteen states and the District of Columbia
have prohibited the use of flammable refriger-
ants in vehicle air conditioning systems,
whether they are replacing CFC-12 OR any
other refrigerant.
Vehicle manufacturers strongly discourage the
use of hydrocarbon or other flammable refrig-
erants. Use of these refrigerants poses a safety
risk and can void the warranties on air condi-
tioner systems or replacement parts.
Automobile insurance may not protect own-
ers against liability for damages as a result of
using illegal flammable refrigerants.
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Your Options
This table presents
advantages and dis-
advantages for each
retrofitting option.
You should consider
cost, performance,
and availability when
deciding whether to
retrofit. (Be aware
that the actual cost
of your repair or
retrofit might vary
depending on your
location, as well as
parts, supplies, and
labor required.)
Considerations High Performance HFC-134a Retrofit
Warranties
Special Parts and
Procedures That
Might Be Required
Initial Costs
(Beyond
Necessary
Repair Costs)
Future Costs
Ask about warranties. Vehicle manufacturers may
offer a warranty only on new parts installed.
Some may also guarantee performance.
Some manufacturers of CFC-based air condition-
er parts do not warrant them for use with HFC-
134a.
All vehicles require replacement of refrigerant,
new fittings, oil, and a label.
Some vehicles may require replacement of the
compressor, drier, condenser, hoses, and/or
refrigerant controls, such as the high-pressure
cutout switch.
The accumulator/drier should usually be
replaced on older or high-mileage vehicles (with
more than 70,000 miles) and when the air condi-
tioning system is opened to the atmosphere for
an extended length of time.
May require a high-pressure cutout switch.
This retrofit generally costs more, but cost
depends on the complexity of the retrofit
procedure. In some cases, the cost is compara-
ble to the economy retrofit.
Parts and performance often have warranties,
and this retrofit was designed specifically for your
Performance
This is the most reliable retrofit. It is custom-
designed by vehicle manufacturers specifically for
your make and model of car to maintain perfor-
mance and durability.
Environmental
Safety
Does not destroy the ozone layer.
Refrigerant
Availability
Available everywhere.
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Economy HFC-134a Retrofit
Repair shops may offer a warranty on new parts
installed but may not guarantee performance.
Some manufacturers of CFC-based air condition-
er parts do not warrant them for use with HFC-
134a.
All vehicles require replacement of refrigerant,
new fittings, oil, and a label.
Economy Retrofit with Blends
Use of blends may void remaining warranties
from vehicle or parts manufacturers.
Some repair shops may offer a warranty on new
parts installed but may not guarantee perfor-
mance. Insist on a warranty.
All vehicles require replacement of refrigerant,
new fittings, oil, and a label.
May require a high-pressure cutout switch.
The accumulator/drier should usually be
replaced on older or high-mileage vehicles (with
more than 70,000 miles) and when the air condi-
tioning system is opened to the atmosphere for
an extended length of time.
At least $80 more than the cost to repair the old
system, plus the cost for the accumulator/drier
and high-pressure cutout switch, if needed.
May not be designed specifically for your car, and
fewer parts may be replaced at the time of retro-
fit. Future costs may be greater than for high
performance HFC-134a retrofit.
Cooling may be reduced in some vehicles, but
this may only be noticeable on very hot and
humid days or when the vehicle is idling.
Durability may be reduced if vehicle manufactur-
er procedures are not followed.
Does not destroy the ozone layer.
Available everywhere.
May require the replacement of hoses, the high-
pressure cutout switch, and/or system and
refrigerant controls.
The accumulator/drier must be compatible with
the chemicals in the blend and should usually be
replaced on older or high-mileage vehicles (with
more than 70,000 miles) and when the air condi-
tioning system is opened to the atmosphere for
an extended length of time. Driers designed for
HCFC blends may not be available for your
vehicle.
At least $80 more than the cost to repair the old
system, plus the cost for the accumulator/drier,
high-pressure cutout switch, system controls,
and/or hoses, if needed.
May reduce the durability of certain parts, which
could lead to additional repair costs.
Not designed specifically for your car, and fewer
parts may be replaced at the time of retrofit.
Future costs may be greater than for high perfor-
mance HFC-134a retrofit.
Cooling and durability may be reduced in some
vehicles. Cooling reduction may only be notice-
able on very hot and humid days or when the
vehicle is idling. Durability may be reduced.
Might contain ozone-depleting ingredients; how-
ever, ingredients will have less ozone-depleting
potential than the CFC-12 originally used.
Be sure the refrigerant proposed for your vehicle
has been listed as acceptable by EPA.
Not as widely available as HFC-134a. At this time,
most service facilities are not able to service vehi-,
cles retrofitted to blends.
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Make Sure You Know What You're
Getting!
If you have your car's air conditioning system retrofitted, ask
your service facility about your choices:
Are the replacement parts covered by a warranty?
Is the performance of the system covered by a
warranty?
• Will performance or durability of the system be
reduced?
Can the substitute refrigerant used be serviced
nationwide?
Is the substitute refrigerant listed by EPA as
environmentally acceptable?
• Are unique service fittings specific to the refrigerant
installed?
Is the system clearly labeled to indicate which refriger-
ant is used?
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For More Information
or more information about motor vehicle air conditioners
and the environment, contact EPA's Stratospheric Protection
:line at 800 296-1996 to request copies of the following
How to Keep Your Cool and Protec
(EPA430-F-97-005)
the Ozone Layer
Underhood Tips to Help You Keep Cool: Servicing Vehicle Air
Conditioning Systems During the CFC Phaseout
The Hotline also has the follow
ations about stationary
Protecting the Ozone Layer: A Checklist for Citizen Action
Disposing of Appliances With Refrigerants: What You Should Knov
(EPA430-F-93-003)
Additional information about ozone protection is available at
EPA's Stratospheric Protection Division homepage at
http://www.epa.gov/ozone
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United States
Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, SW. (6205J)
Washington, DC 20460
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use
$300
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