What is a characteristic of refrigerant R12?

Refrigerant R12 is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) that has been widely used in automotive and refrigeration applications. However, due to its ozone-depleting properties, it has largely been phased out in favor of more environmentally friendly alternatives. R134a is one such replacement that has become the standard in most applications, particularly following regulatory changes that limit the use of R12 due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer.

This transition to R134a means that R12 is now considered outdated for modern cooling systems, with R134a being more efficient and less damaging to the environment. This shift underscores the importance of using refrigerants that comply with environmental regulations while also being effective in operating systems today.