Author Topic: Stock up on refrigerant!  (Read 1648 times)

Online goodfellow

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Stock up on refrigerant!
« on: May 11, 2022, 10:58:46 AM »
Just spoke to a friend of mine who’s in the industry. Supply chain on refrigerant is breaking down quickly. Wholesale prices are going through the roof, and existing warehouse supplies are getting very low. 134a and especially the new 1234yf will increase at least 50% at the wholesale level. Dealerships are charging $600+ for yf service, and 134a won’t be far behind.

I have about two cases of 134a in stock, and since all our vehicles use it, I’ll get another case just to be ready for future needs.

I feel sorry for the folks with the yf gas because the prices are getting ridiculous..


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Offline bonneyman

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Re: Stock up on refrigerant!
« Reply #1 on: May 11, 2022, 01:54:47 PM »
Yep, it's all part of the scam. Last I checked R-22 was $1300 for a 30 pound jug. I have some - when I bought it the price was $145 for a 30 pounder. So at least my home A/C is protected. And the shop A/C window unit is also 22, so, if necessary I can pull it out and install it in the bedroom to allow us to sleep.

That's if there's electricity - been reading they're predicting blackouts this summer.

Online goodfellow

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Re: Stock up on refrigerant!
« Reply #2 on: May 11, 2022, 02:44:20 PM »
Yep, it's all part of the scam. Last I checked R-22 was $1300 for a 30 pound jug. I have some - when I bought it the price was $145 for a 30 pounder. So at least my home A/C is protected. And the shop A/C window unit is also 22, so, if necessary I can pull it out and install it in the bedroom to allow us to sleep.

That's if there's electricity - been reading they're predicting blackouts this summer.

$1300 for R22? -- wow!! Glad I have a spare 15lb cylinder as well. Bought it years ago as a hedge in case the AC system at the old house needed a major service.
« Last Edit: May 11, 2022, 02:46:50 PM by goodfellow »

Offline bonneyman

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Re: Stock up on refrigerant!
« Reply #3 on: May 11, 2022, 04:53:48 PM »
As I recall the same thing happened to R-12 when they banned it in 1996. Those little 13 ounce cans we all used to buy for a buck or two back in the day? I saw them going for $90 each before they disappeared just a few years later.   :a102:

Online stokester

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Re: Stock up on refrigerant!
« Reply #4 on: May 11, 2022, 05:48:56 PM »

I feel sorry for the folks with the yf gas because the prices are getting ridiculous..

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I was working in the Chevy shop when the first 1234yf vehicles were introduced and went to the GM school for servicing the systems.

The refrigerant was MUCH more expensive than 134a and, of course, required a new machine to recover and recharge the systems.  While the 134a machines were always ready to go, we had to go to parts for the 1234yf canister and there was a special GM Robinair machine that would do a printout with a code for any warranty work.

And...  there was a warning about using any refrigerant sniffer that uses a heater element as the new refrigerant is mildly flammable.
Nick
Yorktown, VA

Offline slip knot

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Re: Stock up on refrigerant!
« Reply #5 on: May 11, 2022, 05:50:45 PM »
Wanna buy some 12??? I got 1/2 a case still. :97:

My maint supervisor put in a purchase request for some 4in Schd 80 PVC today. $1200 for 60 ft. :-\ :-\

Offline bonneyman

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Re: Stock up on refrigerant!
« Reply #6 on: May 11, 2022, 10:03:47 PM »
Wanna buy some 12??? I got 1/2 a case still. :97:

My maint supervisor put in a purchase request for some 4in Schd 80 PVC today. $1200 for 60 ft. :-\ :-\

I would if I could find a nice R-12 home refrigerator!  :))

Offline Elroy

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Re: Stock up on refrigerant!
« Reply #7 on: May 11, 2022, 10:49:08 PM »
If Elroy recalls correctly, this cost $50

Offline Rural53

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Re: Stock up on refrigerant!
« Reply #8 on: May 12, 2022, 05:44:00 AM »
If Elroy recalls correctly, this cost $50

If Elroy was in California he would probably get 7 to 10 years just for possession and if he dared install it in something, 25 to life!  :021:

Offline fatfillup

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Re: Stock up on refrigerant!
« Reply #9 on: May 12, 2022, 07:55:28 AM »
If Elroy recalls correctly, this cost $50

If Elroy was in California he would probably get 7 to 10 years just for possession and if he dared install it in something, 25 to life!  :021:

Sad but likely true

Online goodfellow

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Re: Stock up on refrigerant!
« Reply #10 on: May 12, 2022, 11:35:21 AM »
Just came back from Walmart. I needed propane for the grill, and surprisingly the price for a standard tank exchange hasn’t gone up - still selling for $17 and change for a filled tank.

The price of the Walmart branded 134a has gone up over $3 per standard 12floz can. Paid over $8 for what just three months ago was selling for $5.50.

 In the grand scheme of things that’s bearable, but who knows what the price will be three months from now in the sweltering summer heat.


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Offline walrus

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Re: Stock up on refrigerant!
« Reply #11 on: May 13, 2022, 05:45:36 AM »
Wanna buy some 12??? I got 1/2 a case still. :97:

My maint supervisor put in a purchase request for some 4in Schd 80 PVC today. $1200 for 60 ft. :-\ :-\
Thats insane

Offline fatfillup

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Re: Stock up on refrigerant!
« Reply #12 on: May 13, 2022, 10:59:11 AM »
Just got an increase on a specialty soap we sell, went from Just under $300 a drum to 586 or so.  Haven't seen freight cost yet but at least $80 a drum on top

Offline slip knot

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Re: Stock up on refrigerant!
« Reply #13 on: May 13, 2022, 11:58:49 AM »
I don’t see it getting better any time soon.