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Do I need to do anything special to retrofit an old R12 system to a R134a system?
Last Updated: 09/28/2007
Yes. According to EPA regulations, the use of any alternative refrigerant to replace R-12 requiresat a minimum that;
  • Unique service fittings be used in order to minimize the risk of cross-contamination of either the air- conditioning system or the service facility's recycling equipment
  • The new refrigerant be identified by a uniquely-colored label in order to identify the refrigerant in the system
  • All R-12 be properly removed from the system before filling the system with an alternative refrigerant
  • In order to prevent release of refrigerant to the atmosphere, a high-pressure compressor shutoff switch be installed on any system equipped with a pressure relief device
  • Separate, dedicated EPA-approved equipment be used to recover the R-12 from the system.
  • In addition, alternative refrigerant blends that contain HCFC-22 must be used with barrier hoses.


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