R-410a
The common name for dichlorodifluoromethane is Freon-12.
Freon isn't a single compound, it's a family of related chemicals. Most freons are colorless and odorless.
Freon 12 is a compound. It is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compound made up of chlorine, fluorine, and carbon atoms.
Dichlorodifluoromethane (R-12), usually sold under the DuPont brand name Freon-12, is a chlorofluorocarbon halomethane, commonly known as CFC, used as a refrigerant and aerosol spray propellant. Its manufacture was banned in the United States and many countries in 1994 over concerns about damage that such compounds might do to the ozone layer if released into the atmosphere.
Freon is stored in the compressor unit of an air conditioning system.
The refrigerant that replaced Freon in refrigerators is called HFC-134a.
Freon was replaced by other refrigerants long ago.
Freon does not generally need to be replaced. However over time, systems sometimes have a small leak and need to have coolant added. A Freon gauge can confirm if you need to have Freon added.
It replaced R-12 and Freon as a refrigerant. It is not always compatible with the old R-12 or Freon systems though, so check with the vehicle's dealer about compatibility and/or conversion.
134a replaced R12 about 1995.
The 1988 Pontiac Bonneville originally used R12 freon, this freon is no longer available due to government regulation. Your A/C system must have it's A/C service ports replaced. Then the system filled with the correct amount of R134a freon.
Obtain ASE certification in heating and AC systems.
Never! If it's low on refrigerant it has leaked.
The freon has to be removed and the pressure released from the ac system. Then the valve can be removed and replaced. The system will need to have a vacuum pulled and freon put in again.
RV refrigerators do not use freon but rather ammonia. The ammonia is in a sealed unit called the cooling unit and you cannot add ammonia to this unit. If it goes bad it has to be replaced.
Yes, freon used to be commonly used in refrigerators as a coolant, but due to its harmful effects on the environment, it has been largely phased out and replaced with more environmentally friendly refrigerants.
You can still use only the heater if you want to but its best not to leave the a/c without freon and oil in the system..............