Is your car aircon CFC-free?

MANILA, Philippines - Chlorofluorocarbon or CFC, more popularly known by the brand name Freon, a cooling agent used in car air conditioning systems, was found to be an ozone depleting substance (ODS). Its importation has been banned in the Philippines since January 2010 in compliance with the country’s commitment to the Montreal Protocol that prohibits the use of ODS.

Today, owners and operators of vehicle models from 1999 to the present must already be using HFC-134a or non-CFC aircon systems. Any vehicle from among the said models found to have been converted back to CFC-12 (using R-12 or Freon) shall not be allowed to register or renew registration with the LTO unless the aircon is changed to a non-CFC system. Those with HFC-134a aircon systems are restricted to convert back to CFC-12.

Starting 2012, owners of older vehicle models with CFC-containing aircon systems will no longer be allowed to register as well. This is being enforced to encourage vehicle owners to use environment-friendly refrigerants, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFC-134A or R-134A). The LTO maintains a database to determine the volume of vehicles that use CFC and non-CFC (H-134a) air conditioning systems.

To avoid registration problems, car owners are advised to switch to CFC-free mobile air conditioning systems this year. (AIJC)