R134a - For Professional Use Only?

On page 32 of the May issue Of Underhood Service, Editor, Ed Sunkin, asked readers the following question regarding a sidebar we ran on CARB Proposing a Ban on Refrigerant to consumers. Feedback: We’d like your opinion. Do you think that DIYers or non-certified technicians should be banned from buying R-134a refrigerant? E-mail us your comments at esunkin@babcox.com. Here is a response......It’s good to see a tech addressing the environmental issues.------

Forwarded MessageFrom: Jim Toddy Date: Fri, 18 May 2007 14:00:44 -0700 (PDT)To: Subject: R134a sales
Hello, Having been a technician for the last 15 years, I believe that the sale of R134a should be restricted to licensed individuals. I am pretty sure Wisconsin has already banned sales to the public, California is considering it, and the whole country should do so. The average car owner who will attempt repairs is likely to vent the gas to the atmosphere, they will likely overcharge or undercharge the system which will cause them to try and add more. The owners, for the majority, do not understand the theory and operation of mobile a/c systems so the car may not even need refrigerant, but they will try anyway. I see it as just bad things happening when people who don't know try to do things, and that goes for untrained techs also. Yes, people think that this is too much government intrusion and going to cost more to get a car fixed, but consumers are going to pay one way or the other, if companies on factories are slapped with more environmental controls, the cost of goods is surely going to rise. R134a, with a GWP of 1300, isn't nearly as bad as R12, but people need to limit the damage to the air, and future generations on earth. Licensed technicians are required to capture R134 when servicing a/c systems, and have the training, and equipment to do the job, and as the old line goes - 'leave it to the experts'. Jim Toddy CMAT-L1 Bay Village Monro---
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I thought this was an interesting commentary, and one you might share with your students. The value of an education is lifelong.