What gas can I substitute for R12?

Author: Charles Gusikowski  |  Last update: Thursday, October 16, 2025

RS-24 is a “Drop-in” alternative for R12 which also provides a long term solution at the same time. It provides, therefore, a one change solution to the replacement of R12 at minimal expense.

What can I replace R12 refrigerant with?

As R12 is now being finally phased out, older refrigeration machines need an alternative. Whatever you do, DO NOT USE R-134a in a R12 System! Instead, use a Propane + Isobutane combination, also known as 12a or HC-12a. 12a is also non-ozone depleting, and directly compatible with R-12's compressor oils.

What gas replaces R12 refrigerant?

The Duracool 12a is used to replace the R12 and R134a gases and owes its success to its ecological qualities. It is an hydrocarbon gas with zero impact on the ozone layer. It requires only 35% of the load weight of the R12 and 40% of that of the 134a.

Is R134a a drop-in replacement for R12?

However, R134a is not a 'drop-in' replacement for R12 because there is a need to change the compressor lubricant and expansion valve. Changing over from R12 to R134a can therefore be an ex-pensive and time consuming procedure.

Can I put R134a in a R12 system?

As previously stated, R12 systems usually use mineral oil, which is incompatible with R134a. When R134a comes into contact with mineral oil, it can hinder the oil from returning to the compressor, or possibly reduce heat transfer.

Best R12 Replacement - Top 5 R12 Replacement of 2021

How much R-134a to replace R12?

R12 to R134a Charge Conversion Formula (pounds only)

Take the R12 charge specification and multiply it by 0.9. Then, subtract that result by 0.25 pounds to get the proper amount of R134a charge.

Can you mix R22 and R-134a?

No, the compressor will fail. These two refrigerants have very different properties. One of R22 and R134a is high pressure and the other is low pressure. They don't mix chemically and don't have the same boiling point, leading to inefficiencies and eventual compressor failure.

Which of the following refrigerants is a good drop-in alternative for R12?

The refrigerant that is commonly used as a direct drop-in replacement for R-12 in retrofitting mobile air conditioning systems is R-134a (HFC-134a).

What AC refrigerant is an acceptable drop-in replacement for R134a?

With the scientific approach to reduce the global warming potential (GWP) of the refrigerant R-134A (i.e. 1430), the refrigerant R-513A with GWP of 631 is the drop-in replacement.

Is R12 the same as R-1234YF?

R-12 and R-134a are known to be very efficient at cooling but are not as energy efficient as 1234YF. Therefore, cars with 1234YF systems can have better fuel efficiency and emit fewer greenhouse gases.

Which gas can R12 component?

Dichlorodifluoromethane (R-12) is a colorless gas popularly known by the genericized brand name Freon (as Freon-12). It is a chlorofluorocarbon halomethane (CFC) used as a refrigerant and aerosol spray propellant.

Can you still get R12?

While it can no longer be manufactured, there is a surprising amount of Freon still available as new old stock (NOS).

Are there drop-in replacements for R12 systems and if not, why?

Yes, there are drop-in replacements for R-12 systems. The most promising replacements include hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), such as HFC-134a and HCFC-141b. These alternatives are being used to replace R-12, which is also known as dichlorodifluoromethane (CCl2F2).

What is the equivalent gas to R12?

R12 was phased out and made illegal in the 1990's, due to it's ozone depleting properties, and replaced with r134a, which itself is now being replaced with the newer r1234yf.

Can I use 12a instead of R12?

Duracool 12A is an ideal replacement for the R12, R134A and 1234YF gases that can be found in automotive refrigeration circuits.

Is R12 and R-22 interchangeable?

Just buy some r12 on ebay if you aren't wanting newer refrigerant. As Rich said positively DO NOT use R22. R22 is quite valuable right now so that 20lb is worth some jingle. R-22 and R-12 are not interchangeable .

Is a suitable drop-in substitute refrigerant for R-12?

RS-24 is a “Drop-in” alternative for R12 which also provides a long term solution at the same time.

What is the most common replacement refrigerant for R-12 is R134a?

Final answer: R-134a is the most commonly used refrigerant to replace R-12 in new household refrigerators, due to its ozone-friendly properties and suitability for refrigeration.

Can R12A be mixed with R134a?

No you can't put r12 in a 134 system.

What can I use to replace R-12?

Drop-in and long-term R12 replacement

The properties of RS-24 make it an almost perfect match for R12 with its compatibility for traditional and synthetic lubricants, similar performance, lower discharge temperature, non-flammability and relatively short atmospheric lifetime.

What refrigerant can I use for R-12?

Freon™ 409A carries an ASHRAE A1 safety classification and blends R-22, R-142b, and R-124. It can be used in medium- and low-temperature positive displacement equipment. Used as a retrofit for R-12 in stationary positive displacement air-conditioning (AC) and refrigeration systems, Freon™ 409A works in: Walk-in coolers.

Is R12 refrigerant illegal?

More than 100 countries have signed on to the Montreal Protocol which banned R12 – undoubtedly representing the vast majority of refrigerant usage globally.

What freon will replace R134a?

The GWP for R-134a refrigerant is 1,430, making it 1,430 times more harmful than carbon dioxide when released into the atmosphere. There are three refrigerants that can be used to replace R-134a: R-1234yf, R-152a, and R-744.

What happens if you use the wrong AC gas?

Using the wrong type of gas can cause serious damage to your aircon system and may even put you at risk of an explosion. Common consequences of using the wrong aircon gas include: The wrong gas could cause damage to the compressor or other components of the system.

What happens if you mix R22 with another refrigerant?

At the very least, leaks will occur. Mixing refrigerants is not an option either. This will contaminate the system, and the R22 will not evaporate under the higher suction pressure that R410A requires.

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