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A/C Refrigerant System Service & Diagnosis
Climate Control Systems Diagnosis & Repair
Page 5.3
A/C Refrigerant System Service
Before 1992, automotive air conditioning services could
be performed by anyone with a manifold gauge set, cans
of refrigerant and a can tap. Refrigerant was inexpensive
and considered harmless. Do-it-your-selfers routinely top-
off leaking systems rather than paying for expensive
repairs.
In repair shops, refrigerant was routinely vented to the
atmosphere whenever an A/C system needed to be
opened. This was accepted practice. At the time, the envi-
ronmental effects were unknown and methods to recover
refrigerant were not available. R-12 was so inexpensive
that its complete loss and replacement was seen as
insignificant.
Environmental Impact
Things changed when it was discovered that R-12 released
into the atmosphere has contributed to two serious
effects: destruction of Ozone in the stratosphere, and
global warming.
The Clean Air Act legislation of 1990 included these provi-
sions:
• A/C technician certification by 1 Jan. 1992
• Use of EPA certified recovery and recycling equipment
• Recovery of both R-12 and R-134a refrigerants
• Prohibits mixing refrigerants
• Provides penalties including fines up to $27,500/day
and 5 yrs. imprisonment.
Industry has responded with changes and improvements
to A/C systems and service procedures:
• Refrigerant R-12 is no longer produced or installed by
manufacturers and R-134a is the only approved
refrigerant installed by OEMs.
• By law, technicians must be properly trained and
certified to work on mobile A/C systems.
• All refrigerants used in mobile air conditioners must now
be recovered and recycled whenever an A/C system is
opened for service or repair.
A/C Service Equipment
By law, all automotive repair facilities performing A/C
system services must have approved equipment to
recover and recycle refrigerant R-134a. If the shop also
services vehicles with R-12 or any other refrigerant, it
must have separate equipment for those refrigerants as
well.
All refrigerant recovery and recycling equipment must be
certified to meet the Society of Automotive Engineers
(SAE) standards for performance and refrigerant purity.
Equipment Maintenance
A/C service equipment must be periodically maintained to
reduce the possibility of refrigerant loss and inaccurate
charge.
Follow the service and maintenance schedule and instruc-
tions for your service equipment. Maintenance items vary
but in general, periodic maintenance procedures are
required for all service equipment.
Typical service procedures for refrigerant
recovery/recycling/recharging stations include:
• Vacuum pump oil change
• Filter/dryer cartridge replacement
• Checking the station for leaks
• Refrigerant storage tank scale accuracy check