I was always told if you have AC (R12) to run it at least once every 2 weeks in the winter as if you did not there would be problems.

Is there any truth to this when it comes to R134 based systems?

Yeah, I think this is true with R-12 or R-134-a. The reason is to circulate the oil in the system which keeps the seals soft and prevents them from shrinking and leaking.

just convert it to r134a R-12 cost'* so much $

I've always heard the complete contrary for 134, 12, and 22 (home systems).

Reason being is that the oil is thick to begin with that it won't lubricate the pump and cause it seize. In the colder months that oil is like molasses and simply WON'T circulate.

You don't run the A/C in your house in the winter, do you?!?!

Well for all those who really didn't know, your AC on your car DOES RUN during the winter anytime you put your setting to defrost on the windshield. Some of the older cars didn't do this but most newer cars ( at least since 90) do turn on.

No, but the AC in my house doesn't move around (much), is not exposed to wild temperature extremes, and the most likely area for loss, the compressor shaft, is sealed inside a can.

They do up to a certain temp. Once the temp drops below the threshold, it won't kick on. This morning at -6, my compressor certainly wasn't running! I'm not sure what the limit temp is, but I do know one exists.

Yes Bill, your'e right. The compresser in the home A/C system is hermeticly sealed and is not subjected to the elements. Automobile A/Cplants are vastly different with external compressers with shaft seals exposed and do require operation from time to time in winter months.

My A/C was never run during the winter. Been 16 years, A/C still cold as hell. If you are ballsy enough to turn on your A/C when the temps are negative, hats off to you.. otherwise, I wouldn't do it.


-justin

Like I said before, it turns on with your defroster. You can very easily turn your AC on in the winter and it not be cold. You just set your heat higher, unless you have the auto climate like on my Bonne and you can hear the compressor cycle on and off on it'* own when you have the defroster on. Plus my Bonne is from 1990.