Old Freezer made in 1991 with 5.5 ounces of R-12...need help
 

i have an old frigidaire free standing freezer which was made in 1991. i want to get rid of. but i cant because i need to get rid of the R-12 gas in the compressor.

does anyone know if this gas is harmful to people, is it toxic? or flammable?
i plan on getting rid of it near an open window. should i wear a towel over my mouth, and gloves when i cut the line?:(

Its illegal to vent R12 to atmosphere like you're planning.

Check out an R12 MSDS sheet for more information to answer your health related question.

It's rather inert and non-toxic to people. The only caveat is to not expose it to a flame, where it converts to phosgene, a harmful chemical that was used in the early days of chemical warfare. I'm guessing that's why it was illegal to use old propane containers to store freon. A lapse in memory could easily kill you.

R-12 is valuable $$$ and sought after. Call a large appliance repair company and ask if they will come to your home and remove the R-12 for free if they get to keep it for themselves. They have a copper line tap tool for that purpose. Please don't vent to the atmosphere.

Are you sure that it doesn't contain R-22???
 

I think that that is what refrigerators and AC units usually used.

My SubZero fridge and freezer use R134A I believe.

Safe Disposal of Refrigerated Household Appliances: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Ozone Layer Protection - Regulatory Programs | US EPA

FYI

Yeah! It's up to fifteen bucks a pound now!:rolleyes:

Phillip, what do you mean you "can't get rid of the fridge?" In Ann Arbor, the city picks up old refrigerators and dehumidifiers, then sets them aside for freon reclamation by a professional. They've been doing this since at least 1994. Your community doesn't?

The old Norge Refrigerator in my house has R12 in it.