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.
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. Sin.
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.
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.
You can't mix refrigerants.
An R-12 Refrigerant Replacement
Freon Hot Shot™ 2 (R-417C) refrigerant is a non-ozone depleting, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) replacement for these refrigerants. Freon Hot Shot™ 2 can be used in most applications to retrofit systems currently using R-12 or R-12 blends, including: R-401A. R-401B.
MULTICOOL 12a is a surrogate fluid with a reduced global warming potential (GWP) for HFC-134a (R134a), R12 and 1234yf. It can be injected into all air conditioning systems operating with these gases such as automobiles, cold rooms ... etc.
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.
Limited quantities of reclaimed R-12 is still available for service of installed equipment. A wide variety of R-12 retrofit blends are available.
More than 100 countries have signed on to the Montreal Protocol which banned R12 – undoubtedly representing the vast majority of refrigerant usage globally.
R600a is a good replacement for R12
However its smaller volumetric capacity and higher pressure ratios, limit it to very small capacities. With regard to R600a, it has a lower molecular weight, 58.1 kg/kmol in comparison to R134a, 102 kg/kmol, which results in a lower charge for Isobutane.
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.
In 1930, General Motors and DuPont formed the Kinetic Chemical Company. It produce Dupont Freon 12 wherein the name Freon came to refer to all R12 or CFC-12. The same as Coke for pop and Kleenex for tissues.
Answer: Answer is R134a. R134a is HFC , used in automotive air conditioning and as a replacement for R12 in medium and high temperature refrigeration applications , such as commercial and domestic refrigeration and chillers.
Refrigerant R12, commonly known as Freon, is used as a cooling agent. This CFC gas can be found everywhere; in air-conditioning units and other home appliances, industrial chillers, water fountains, cars, medical refrigeration, and even nuclear facilities, to name a few.
The use of R134a as an alternative refrigerant in unmodified CFC12 systems and heat pumps has been investigated. Although R134a can achieve acceptable efficiencies in comparison with R12, the main problem in retrofitting R134a into existing systems was the need for a new refrigerant compatible with it.
RS-24 is an easy-to-use Drop-in replacement for R12, There is no need to change the existing lubricant in the system, thereby avoiding a costly retrofit.
Or, if you'd like to tackle the job yourself, AutoZone has all the tools and refrigerant to service your R-134A or R-12 vehicle.
You can easily add new refrigerant using a supply hose (including a pressure gauge) and an adequate supply of refrigerant (or a complete recharge kit).
You're wondering if you can mix different refrigerants for your air conditioning system. The short-long-only answer is no, never. There are many reasons why it's impractical, illegal, and not economical for a homeowner to mix refrigerant types.
HFC-134a is the alternative refrigerant of choice to replace CFC-12 in many medium- and high-temperature stationary refrigeration and air conditioning applications. It has also replaced R-12 in automotive air conditioning applications. However, R-134a is not a direct drop-in refrigerant for R-12.
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 .
The only way to reliably convert from R-12 to R-134a is to remove the compressor and flush out all the old oil with the new type of oil; then replace the old Receiver-Dryer or Accumulator with a new one; then flush out all the lines, the evaporator, and the condensor with special cleaner then vacuum to a steady vacuum; ...
If you get 609 certification you can buy any refrigerant sold in an automotive supply house in any size container; however, these stores typically only sell R-12, R-134a, and replacement blends for R-12.
In short, the answer is, "No!" Automotive refrigerants are volatile compounds that can have a negative effect on the environment. Combining them can have adverse effects, and cause damage to your car's A/C system.