Accord L4-2156cc 2.2L SOHC (1991)
Refrigerant: Technical Service Bulletins
R12 Refrigerant - Recovery/Recycling Update
R-12 Recovery/Recycling Update
Here's the second in a series of articles on how R-12's impact on the environment is affecting the way we service A/C systems. (The first article,
"Chilling Facts About R-12 Refrigerant," can be found in the November '89 issue of S/N.)
The table (compiled by the Automobile Importers of America, Inc.) shows the CFC legislation that has already been enacted by those states. There are
also 14 other states that have proposed similar legislation. The federal government has not committed to any specific regulations, although they'll
probably require the use of UL-listed recovery/recycling equipment only. The EPA is also talking of requiring technicians to be recertified as proficient
with the new A/C equipment.
All this legislation makes two things very clear: most states will require the use of recovery/recycling equipment by the end of this year and, in the future,
you'll probably need a whole set of new equipment to service cars with the HFC-134a. (R-12 and HFC-134a can't be intermixed at all, so as far as we
know now, HFC-134a will require new charging stations, recovery/recycling units, leak detectors, etc.)
Although these units will become required shop equipment, American Honda won't ship them automatically. However, to assist you in meeting this new
equipment need, our Special Tools people are working out the details to offer UL-listed recovery/recycling units through the Tools and Equipment
Program. They're trying to put together a package that offers special pricing, guaranteed availability, and an extended warranty. We'll send you all the
info as soon as things are finalized.
Recovery/recycling units aren't cheap. Their prices range from about $2,800 to $4,000. However, this equipment will more than pay for itself!
Here are several ways it'll actually save you time and increase your shop's profits:
^
Time savings:
Hook the unit up to the car, turn it on, and you're free to perform some other money-making task. In minutes, recovery is complete, the unit turns
off automatically (most of them), and the car is ready for repair.
^
Refrigerant cost savings:
New EPA regulations limit production of R-12. This reduction, plus the newly enacted refrigerant tax laws, have doubled the cost of R-12 since
last year. A quick poll showed us that the cost of R-12 now averages about $3.50 a pound. A busy shop could easily recover and recycle 100
pounds a week during A/C season. That's $350 a week saved!
^
Sell more service:
Explain to your customers why it's no longer ecologically or economically prudent to simply recharge an A/C system with a slow leak. (Plus it
soon may not be legal in some states.) If they have the leak fixed, they'll be helping the environment and saving money in the long run.
In the coming issues we'll keep you up to date on what's happening with R-12 recovering/recycling, including tips on how to use your new equipment.
