Because of the increasing environmental concerns of vehicle air conditioning, the only refrigerant gas that is legally permitted for use in air conditioning systems is the CFC free R143a, all other refrigerants have been banned, and rightly so to!

So, did the world became a little more greener and safer with the introduction of R134a as a refrigerant for car climate control systems?

In most cases yes it did, but read on to ensure you don't get caught out with the pitfalls of the motor cars latest essential feature, the air conditioning system:

Safety Concerns R134a imports

Distributors across Europe may be unwittingly selling illegally imported cylinders filled with a cocktail of refrigerants. Disposable cylinders labelled R134a were intercepted by refrigerant producer Honeywell.

After analysis, they were found to contain a mixture of R22, R152a and R141b.

This mixture is flammable and contains ozone-depleting substances.

It is estimated to be around 20 percent as efficient as R134a.

The cylinders also failed to comply with safety regulations as they have no safety valve and do not carry the appropriate labels and warnings.

These illegal cylinders are believed to originate predominantly from Asia and have been found on sale in Greece, Romania and Germany with some evidence to suggest sales in the UK also.

Honeywell's managing director has appealed for help in tracking down the importers.

Source: RAC Magazine

At AVACS we guarantee to only buy our refrigerant from only authorised and regulated R143a refrigerant suppliers such as Honeywell.

Why should I take my car to an air conditioning specialist to fix a leak?

I can do it myself or get my mechanic to do it...... can't I?

Many garages and mechanics do not understand the complexity of climate control and how it works.

As air conditioning has become common place and even standard in the modern car, some garages and mechanics have taken this as just another bit that needs fixing.

The truth is, different car manufacturers have adopted different ways of cooling and controlling the car cabin temperature using different methods and components.

Therefore, if a car system seems to be leaking, do they bother to find out where from or fix it properly?

Probably not unless they have had specific training courses, so they 'attack' the problem with the good old fashioned 'bit of squirt', or sealant to the rest of us.

This innocuous substance loosely designed to be 'squirted' in and to go through pipes sticking to the sides and 'bunging up' any leaks that it finds on route!

Read the following article from the trade MACS Action magazine to see if sealants are a wise choice:

Beware DIY Air Con Top Up Kits

Industry sources have reacted with concern to the news that Halfords is selling canisters of refrigerant direct to the public.

The company sees an attractive market opportunity with the DIY kits offering a much cheaper alternative to the average garage service at anywhere between £80 - £200.

Some kits claim to repair small leaks with the inclusion of a sealant in the mix, on the 'Radweld' principle.

The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board is taking the issue up directly with Halfords stressing the obvious environmental and safety implications and that they could be contravening the Environmental Protection Act.

They stated, work on car ac systems should only be carried out by people trained in the handling of refrigerants.

The move by Halfords serves to underline the need for a mandatory registration scheme for refrigerant handling.

Taken from RAC Magazine Nov 2005

Increase Threat From Sealants

Air conditioning repair specialists can expect more backyard mechanics to turn to sealants in an attempt to avoid the cost of professional repair as the price of R134a continues to rise and as R134a becomes available over the counter at auto parts retailers.

The DIYer may not realise that sealant is being added with the refrigerant while others think more is better, adding a large amount into the A/C system. Unless the DIYer mentions it when he finally brings the vehicle to your workshop you will not know that you are about to contaminate your A/C service equipment and your refrigerant supply.

There are two types of sealant in use today and both can damage recovery equipment. Type 1 is a combination of seal expanders and leak plugging sealants.

They cause o rings and hoses to swell and can negatively affect solenoid valves, switches or other component inside your recovery machine. Type 2 sealant is a compound that stops leaks by reacting with moisture to form a plug at the leak point. When it encounters moisture inside your recovery equipment it can harden plugging hoses and plumbing and damaging solenoid valves.

Sealant separators such as the Airsept recycle guard are now available which will remove type 1 & 2 sealants as well as oil, dye and solid particles from refrigerant before it can enter your A/C service equipment.