A/C Refrigerant alternatives and their efficiencies

[gdanaher]

It's that time of year that you get in your hot car and pray the air conditioning would work better. These things used to with Freon R-12 in them but those were the good old days. I overheard a couple guys talking about something they had used as a replacement for R134a/R-12 that had cooled better. I checked the net and found some products that could well be close cousins to snake oil. There are some modern tech guys reading this. Do these products have any capabilities beyond that of R134a to exchange heat more efficiently--perhaps as well as R-12??

[bandit]

Honestly, for a car that is only 1-2 years old, you should not be having problems with your AC being able to put out cold air. Its understandable if it was 10+ year old car but your car is fairly new. If your car is less than 10 years old, you probably have a leak somewhere. You also need to make sure that you dont overcharge the AC with freon. This will damage your AC unit.

My Ford Taurus is 13 years old and the AC needs to be recharged every 1-2 years. Considering the car is so old, no point in spending $3000-6000 to replace accumulator and all the pipings.

[gdanaher]

You're in New York. You don't get the concept of getting in a car that has been sitting for 8 hours in the sun, and the ambient shade temperature is 110 F. Thanks anyway. Every car and truck in this region has the same problem with a full charge straight from the factory. I was looking for a more technical answer. Perhaps a reader in Phoenix?

[bandit]

Originally Posted by gdanaher

You're in New York. You don't get the concept of getting in a car that has been sitting for 8 hours in the sun, and the ambient shade temperature is 110 F. Thanks anyway. Every car and truck in this region has the same problem with a full charge straight from the factory. I was looking for a more technical answer. Perhaps a reader in Phoenix?

Regardless if I'm in NY or in West Bumble-f**k. We get 90+ degree weather. Granted, we dont get it year-round or whatever like you do. I've been to Florida, Cali, Phoenix, Colorado during summer months.

If its hot out, go outside and leave the car running with the AC on. Best thing to do is ask a mechanic who specializes in air conditioning.

I dont think there are other alternatives. Walk into a auto store and all they'll carry are R134's. I know of people converting R12 to R134.

You can read and just listen to what I have to say, your car, your choice, my opinion/knowledge.