We all know that some time ago R-12 was deemed a contributor to the
"Green house Effect".  Whatever your beliefs in this area, the result
was a ban on the manufacturing of R-12 and the introduction of R-134a
(supposedly a less harmful substance, however that is up for debate
also).  Anyway for the last ten years or so we have been happily
converting our Vans and other vehicles over to the "cheap" R-134a.  It
has indeed been cheap at under $5 a can in Walmart.  However this summer
you will get a suprise.  Over the winter the cost of R-134a (our cheap
buddy) has gone up over 400%!!!  If gas did that we would be rioting in
the streets.  I just wanted to post this to the list as a heads up.
Last year a 30lb can of R134a went for around $119 at our local Napa.  I
went in Monday and it has gone up to over $400!

It kind of reminds me of the method that drug dealers use.  They give it
to you for free until your hooked then jack up the price.  I guess the
makers of R-134a have been watching some Miami Vice reruns.

If you want to check it out some more read the story at this link:
http://www.partsandpeople.com/articles/National/R134a.htm

Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com