Red Dot Joins EPA In Warning Against Hydrocarbon Refrigerants

Cheap A/C refrigerants not worth the risk

SEATTLE (April 27, 2005) -- Red Dot Corp. joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this week in warning commercial vehicle owners to avoid hydrocarbon refrigerants being sold as inexpensive substitutes for HFC-134a and CFC-12.

Hydrocarbon refrigerants, marketed under such names as OZ-12, DURACOOL 12a, and HC-12a, may contain large quantities of propane, butane, or other highly flammable gases. The EPA says there is insufficient proof that hydrocarbon refrigerants are safe for mobile air conditioning systems, and that leaking air conditioning systems charged with hydrocarbons pose serious risks of fire or explosion under the hood or inside the passenger compartment.

"These products are sold online and at flea markets as direct replacements for EPA-approved refrigerants," said Gary Hansen, vice president of engineering at Red Dot, which produces heating and air-conditioning systems, components, and replacement parts for commercial trucks, buses, and vehicles used in construction, mining, agriculture, fire and rescue, and military service. "Many buyers aren't aware of the potential hazards to themselves and technicians who service their vehicles."

At the very least, Hansen said, using hydrocarbon refrigerants will void the air conditioner warranty. No vehicle manufacturer has endorsed or authorized the use of hydrocarbon refrigerants in its current-production A/C systems.

"Hyrdrocarbon blends can degrade gaskets and hoses designed for HFC-134a or CFC-12, making leaks more likely," he explained. "If you suspect improper service, a trained, certified A/C technician can run a test to make sure your air conditioner has been serviced with the refrigerant it's designed for."

On Monday, the EPA and several trade associations and manufacturers including Red Dot issued a public service announcement about hydrocarbon refrigerants in cars, trucks, and other mobile A/C systems. They are banned as a replacement for CFC-12 in motor vehicles and are illegal in 19 states.

"With the summer cooling season upon us, it's a good time to remind everyone that cheap hydrocarbon refrigerants just aren't worth the risk," Hansen said.

More information is available from the EPA at www.epa.gov/ozone/snap/refrigerants/index.html or the agency's Ozone Protection Hotline, 1-800-296-1996.

ABOUT RED DOT
Red Dot is a worldwide leader in the design and production of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and replacement parts for commercial trucks, buses, and vehicles used in construction, mining, agriculture, fire and rescue, and military service. The company was founded in Seattle, Wash., in 1965 and now has 480 employees at three locations in the United States and Europe. Visit Red Dot at www.rdac.com.

Contacts:
Red Dot Corp. - 206-574-6567
The Siefkes Group - 425-392-2611