refrigerant
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In addition to tailpipe emissions and greenhouse gases, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also regulates other materials in cars that may emit substances harmful to humans. And so it is that the 2013 Cadillac XTS large luxury sedan will become the first U.S. vehicle to use a new refrigerant for its air-conditioning system with a lower carbon-dioxide impact. The new substance is known as R-1234yf, and it replaces today's standard refrigerant, known as R-134a. Vehicles built in the European Community since January 1, 2011, are required to use the new refrigerant. It is presently supplied...
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GM Greens Its Auto ACs With Greenhouse-Gas-Friendly CoolantAmong the many substances emitted by autos back in the "good old days" were the refrigerant gases that would leak from older auto air conditioners. Freon, also known as R-12, was replaced starting in the early 1990s with R-134a, which did less damage to the ozone layer. Now concern has expanded to...
John Voelcker
