i am going to remove my AC system soon, so today i brought it to a shop and they wanted $50 just to drain it. wtf? i called around and it was the same thing. they claim they have to test it. there's no way i am going to pay for that. now i realise the stuff is toxic, but if i dont breathe it i'm assuming the worst thing that can happen is i could get burned (and thats why i will try not to touch it ) so are there any other precautions i should take before doing this? is there s certain way to relieve the pressure (i.e. a specific connection to unscrew first?). i know its bad for the environment but if it was really bad they wouldnt charge $50 for the service. its like recycling batteries....its a FREE service so that's their problem. anyways, i'd appreciate any suggestions anyone may have
thankyou!

 

A friend of mine just released it into the atmosphere. You won't die or get hurt, but many species will.

 

freon beats the F*UCK out of the ozone layer if im not mistaken. You wont die but you will hurt the environment. Not like we dont do that every day we live anyway....

 

Modified by CardDealer at 5:10 PM 11/16/2006

 

just pay $50, if you're planning to recharge your a/c it needs to be completely evacuated anyways. even if you just open the valve there will still be remaining freon in your a/c. if its R134a just empty it out, if its R12 pay $50. supposedly R134a is ozone friendly

 

Get it done by someone with a recovery machine. You'll save the worry about whether or not you're going to freeze the hell out of your fingers, or inhaling some of it. Besides, whether it's R12 or R134a, it's technically illegal to vent it, and the fine for doing so is simply insane (yeah, I know, who would catch you...it's just something to consider). I'd be glad to help, but my recovery machine and gauges don't fit the automotive fittings, or work with R12 or R134a. I'm only a lowly Type 2 (residential/light commercial) cert. anyhow

 

By "ozone days" I imagine you refer to high levels of ozone near the ground, produced by a reaction involving smog and sunlight. Smog, formed by cars which we ALL drive, causes your "ozone days". This has nothing to do with freon. Hell, freon would probably help relieve these "ozone days".

It would, however, screw up the ozone in the atmosphere, and I don't think anyone on this thread disagreed with that, nor stated that they in fact release freon into the atmosphere.

Who does this refer to?

Myself?
The first guy who simply seeked out information, like any educated human being would?
The third guy?

You do seem unnecessarily pissed.

 

Under the circumstances, I'd say bite the bullet, pay the 50 bucks that would normally buy you a shift **** or brake pads, and get the freon removed professionally...

The shift know you buy with the money you save could cost days of the life of your grandchild for all you know. Just pay for it, you'll be proud that you did it, and you will be badged a defender of the planet.

 

Actually, Studies have shown that the "ozone hole" existed long before freon and other CFC's were invented by dupont, etc. This is exactly the kind of FUD that i would expect from an "Environmental Engineer" A.K.A. bunny hugger. Do you have an aftermarket exhaust on your car? aren't you concerned about the environmental impact you are having?

Is it enrvironmentally irresponsible to release freon into the atmosphere? yes.
Will you be personably responsible for thousands of deaths this summer? no.
Will you go to hell for it? no.
Will some shops take your money and just release it into the atmosphere? yes.
Do I suggest it? no.
Will I hate you if you do? no.

 

Right, and I suppose you guys also know the chemical reactions that take place to create O3 molecules at the surface. It does involve sunlight, but there is a lot more to it. The ozone hole was probably started by the industrial age, Dupont made it bigger.

Ozone days occur because O3 is created at surface level when the sun comes out and completes a full set of reactions. O3 in the atmosphere helps protect your skin from harmful sunlight, O3 at the surface etches your lungs.

No I dont have an aftermarket exhaust on my car. There is a difference in driving a properly maintained car and blatantly releasing refrigerant into the air. One you are forced to do to live and the other is negligence.

Yes will be responsible for deaths during the summer. You sure arent helping the situation.

So just because other irresponsible people do it make it just for you to do?

 

there is abt 2lbs of gas and another 1lbs of lubricant that will mess with your paint and make your car stink, it is extemely illegal to vent it in Canada.
If you are not recharging the system there are some "green" shops that will discharge your system for a minimal charge - plus Hazmat and taxes

 

just pay $50

 

i should have known that it would cause a debate. but at any rate, lets just assume i was going to do it......does anyone know which one to vent first? i know there's a low pressure one and a high pressure one from what i've heard....does the order matter? again i appologize for the political issue but thx for the replies