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Retrofitting A.C. Helps Consumer and Environment

24 July 1998

Air Conditioning Retrofit Benefits Consumer and Environment -- 1990 Clean Air Act Sets New Standard

    ATLANTA, July 24 -- It's shaping up to be a long, hot August.
But if your car air conditioning (A/C) system is failing, then retrofitting
may be the answer to keeping cool.
    Retrofitting updates a vehicle's A/C system to utilize the new
environmentally friendly refrigerant, R-134a, which replaces the harmful and
expensive refrigerant, R-12, commonly known as Freon.
    The National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA) recommends that consumers
consider air conditioning inspection and repair because many cars are
experiencing small problems like leaks.  Motorists are also advised to ask
their automotive technicians about retrofitting, since more than half the cars
on the road use R-12.
    "Most retrofits of an undamaged system cost around $200," said Jim Kiple,
director of technical services for NAPA.  "That may seem expensive, but over
the long run, retrofitting saves money and is more environmentally friendly,
especially if you plan on keeping a car."

What's The Difference Between R-12 and R-134a?
    The production of R-12 was discontinued in 1995 as a result of the 1990
Clean Air Act.  R-134a was developed as an environmentally safe alternative.
However, all automobiles made prior to 1992 and most made from 1992-94 have
A/C systems that use R-12.  Since the supply of R-12 is dwindling rapidly,
retrofitting is an issue NAPA urges consumers to seriously consider.

Retrofitting Saves Money
    Retrofitting is inexpensive; the alternative could be costly.  It can take
as much as three pounds of refrigerant to "recharge" an A/C system.  R-12
costs about $30-$40 per pound whereas R-134a costs about six dollars per
pound. Because R-12 supplies are limited, the cost will continue to increase.

Don't Wait to Retrofit
    It's hot, so now is the best time to retrofit.  A/C systems last an
average of five to six years, so systems manufactured in 1992 may fail in the
next two years.  The median age of vehicles is the U.S. is now at 8.5 years --
the oldest it's been in more than 40 years.
    "Every car's A/C system should be checked on an annual basis," said Kiple.
"Many cars are experiencing small problems like leaks."

Retrofit Options
    * Retrofitting an already damaged system with R-134a requires specific
      parts and procedures recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
    * Retrofitting a working system using R-134a doesn't require all but does
      use some manufacturer-recommended parts and procedures.
    * Retrofitting with other replacement refrigerants is not recommended by
      vehicle manufacturers because R-134a is the only refrigerant that meets
      manufacturers' performance requirements. R-134a is also widely available
      and inexpensive, and automobiles using R-134a can be serviced anywhere
      in the U.S.

Retrofitting is Quick and Easy
    Retrofitting is easy.  The process takes no longer than a standard A/C
repair and the cost is minimal.  NAPA says that retrofitting can only benefit
consumers and their automobiles, technically and financially.  And in the
process, everyone contributes to saving the environment.