We here at Polar Bear agree with the MACS ( Mobile Air
Conditioning Society ) and most large A/C centers around the country, conversion
from R12 to R134A has a very poor success rate with customer satisfaction being the
main issue. Systems designed for R134A have in most cases 300-400% more
Efficient Condensers and Evaporators. R12 systems did not need this
efficiency. Some conversions to R134a have experienced 6-15 degrees warmer vent temperatures.
We used to say that it was not that big a deal but most of our customers
disagree. This is the primary reason we NO LONGER convert any vehicle to R134A.
As long as we can still get R12, we won't be doing any conversions. R12 is a little more expensive but works so
much better the cost is justified. Don't listen to any shop that tells you
that you have to convert to R134a they are not correct, and they probably just
can't service your R12 vehicle would be my guess.
I'm sure a lot of people have heard
about the "drop-in" blends and how much better they cool. Just
for everyone's information they don't cool that much better than 134a and
many have R-22 in them which will eat the "o" rings & seals out
of the system over time. Also, many compressor manufactures will not warranty a compressor
that is running a blend refrigerant. The final problem with
these blends or any type of new refrigerant is they require their own proprietary
fittings and recycling equipment. Most shops around the country are not
even equipped to handle the very well known 134a not to mention some obscure
blend. Where could you go in Wyoming or Montana to get your a/c serviced
with one of the 6 different blends? This is the problem. Stick with 134a
until they come out with a refrigerant that is not a dukes mixture chemicals.