"The most comprehensive source for Automotive Tools & Equipment" Contaminated Refrigerant is Costly... And Yes, Contamination is Still an Issue There are millions of older vehicles on the road with R-12; some have been retrofitted for R-134a, While others use substitute and alternative refrigerants. Newer cars typically have R-134a, but be sure what's in a system, because one mixed or bad charge can contaminate your recovery/recycling equipment, as well as your refrigerant supply. Lets see how contamination can occur: Drivers are keeping cars longer, so there's a greater possibility of the A/C system needing service... and every service job opens the door to the possibility of contamination. There's been confusion in the industry about so-called "drop-in" replacements - a technician may have unknowingly topped off with a different refrigerant or a blend with dangerous hydrocarbons. R-22, used primarily in the appliance industry, is readily available and many do-it-yourselfers may not understand that it won't work in vehicle systems. A black market for R-12 has developed - with no quality control on illegal shipments, there's no guarantee what may be in a tank. Do you know what kind of refrigerant is in your tank? The only way to tell is with a refrigerant identifier. In today's environment, it's critical you use an identifier on every system you service. This means you need an identifier that's fast, accurate and easy to use... identifiers like our new models described here. Refrigerant identification can save you thousands of dollars Your recovery unit is contaminated; even if you change tanks, residual "bad stuff" in the hoses and components can still contaminate a customer's vehicle. The refrigerant in your recovery tank is contaminated and your only option is to send it to a disposal facility - at today's prices, one tank lost is expensive. Your customers are dissatisfied because their vehicles' A/C systems don't work as well with a contaminated charge. You have to turn away A/C jobs because your recovery/recycling equipment can't be used. Here's what the law says... The EPA's S.N.A.P. rule allows approved substitute and blend refrigerants to be used in automotive A/C systems, increasing the number of refrigerants available. However, look what else federal law mandates: It's illegal to mix refrigerants. All refrigerants, even substitutes and blends, must be recovered. No venting is allowed. Only certified recovery and recycling equipment can be used and all A/C service technicians must be certified to purchase and handle refrigerants. The EPA can impose fines of $25,000 and up for every violation disregarding these laws. So be safe - use an identifier on every vehicle. Related "Robinair" Product Information General AC Accessories - Index Page Full Product Listing - Index Page