I have keyed in this so many times that I need to just put it in a Word document so that I can cut and paste it in when I see a recommendation for junk refrigerant.

All alternative refrigerants INCLUDING Freeze 12 fall into one or both of the following categories:

A BLEND which means that when you get a leak the components leak at different rates requiring complete evacuation and recharge to get it recharged correctly.

The second category is FLAMMABLE. I don't think that I need to explain the downside to this one.


With R12 prices now going down very fast, it is absolutely RIDICULOUS to use ANY alternate refrigerant.

Other things you should know. To comply with Federal law you must install the appropriate fittings for the alternate refrigerant you use. The cost of the fittings alone will be greater than the refrigerant savings. I saw that refrigerantsales now has R12 for $350 per cannister. That is $10 per pound. This year 134 might cost more than that.

Additionally for a shop to legally work on your car they MUST have a recovery machine specifically outfitted for your particular alternative refrigerant. Since these machines are EXPEN$IVE, very few shops have anything besides an R134a and an R12 machine. Additionally if they accidentally recover junk refrigerant into an R12 or R134a vessel ALL refrigerant in that vessel is contaminated and they must pay to dispose of it.

With the price of R12 falling through the floor it is absolutely CRAZY to use junk refrigerants.

Have a great day,