Is phase change DIY a good idea for me?

[SunTzu69]

I am wondering whether or not I should build my own phase change system. Here is a bit of information concerning my situation:

- I have successfully gone DIY watercooling on GPU/CPU
- I have kids and pets at home, safety is a concern
- I live in Eastern Canada, which means I have limited access to refrigerants - I am not convinced having propane in the house is really safe
- I have extremely limited tools - would the investment really be worth it for a one-time / two-time builder? I won't use them other than for this hobby.
- I can spare a few hours a day at most to work on the system.

What do you guys think? This is a hobby for me, so I know what to expect (long hours troubleshooting, patience, reading, etc.). Any input from you guys is appreciated.

Thanks

[PenumbralFigure]

May sound like simple information, but if you're not going to have a case on it, and you have kids running around, it would be best not to do so.

[[XC] mysticmerlin]

1.Yes build it and run 134a in it. Safe and no ozone bs.
2. Only buy the tools needed to put it together and then take it to a shop and have them vac/fill it.
3.Kids and fans are bad news. Def put it in a case of some kind.
Good luck on it.

[SunTzu69]

1.Yes build it and run 134a in it. Safe and no ozone bs.


Indeed, this does appear to be a safer refrigerant from what I just read. Does anybody have any experience with getting their system filled in Canada with 134a? What kind of shop am I looking for - I live in a City with approximately 100k habitants.

Thanks again

[Marvin]

I am wondering whether or not I should build my own phase change system. Here is a bit of information concerning my situation:

- I have successfully gone DIY watercooling on GPU/CPU
- I have kids and pets at home, safety is a concern
- I live in Eastern Canada, which means I have limited access to refrigerants - I am not convinced having propane in the house is really safe
- I have extremely limited tools - would the investment really be worth it for a one-time / two-time builder? I won't use them other than for this hobby.
- I can spare a few hours a day at most to work on the system.

What do you guys think? This is a hobby for me, so I know what to expect (long hours troubleshooting, patience, reading, etc.). Any input from you guys is appreciated.

Thanks
Only you could answer this. If you have money to buy the tools (they are a bit expensive, IMHO) you have to search the EPA certificate. Then you can buy the gas. Try to read ALL the safety threads here and your kids and pets would be safe.
But reading your post i think wolud be easier and cheaper buying one with our comunity builders.

[SunTzu69]

Indeed, I am not ruling anything out at this point. I still have quite a bit of reading to do. When the community built systems ship, is it usually already filled with the gas?

Further to my question above on where you can get a system filled with 134a, it seems that this refrigerant is widely used in portable A/C systems, available in automotive parts stores, etc. Does this mean that a simple window unit A/C repair shop could have this gas available to them for repairs and would they likely be willing to fill my system for me?

:)

[jinu117]

Indeed, I am not ruling anything out at this point. I still have quite a bit of reading to do. When the community built systems ship, is it usually already filled with the gas?

Further to my question above on where you can get a system filled with 134a, it seems that this refrigerant is widely used in portable A/C systems, available in automotive parts stores, etc. Does this mean that a simple window unit A/C repair shop could have this gas available to them for repairs and would they likely be willing to fill my system for me?

:)

In short answer, YES.

[SunTzu69]

In short answer, YES.

Awesome, thank you. :)

Last question:

What is the proper forum to contact a community phase change system builder that serves people in my area (eastern canada)?

[[XC] mysticmerlin]

Here in most states in the US anyone can buy 134a w/o a lic. all other gas need be with it.
The shop should have and will fill for you I would think.

[_HL4E_HalfLife_]

Your in NB sun? Im in NS were very close together if u ever needed some help with ur project i have all the tools needed here. PM me if u wanna talk more.

[[XC] mysticmerlin]

On a side note. Why post on here and OC as most people on this forum read all the other ones as well. Just my :2cents:

[jinu117]

Awesome, thank you. :)

Last question:

What is the proper forum to contact a community phase change system builder that serves people in my area (eastern canada)?

Proper contact is through e-mail or PM.
I replied to your PM and sent one to _HL4E_HalfLife_ too lol :)

[Xeon th MG Pony]

FYI Here in Canada the EPA does not exist and an EPA ticked has no meaning here in Canada, as in if you where certified in the US it will not be honoured here as it fails to meet the requirements set fourth.

R-134a can eb gotten with out a ticked in Canada in the form of Air duster cans as it is pure R134a but you must check as they are starting to switch to R152a

[ak_47_boy]

will r152a work?

[Thrilla]

Isn't 152a flammable, or at least the new stuff they use in dusters. I bought some Dust Off brand dusters and the stuff is flammable, smells like sulfer too.

[The Weedman]

Go to any autoparts store and ask for either red-tek or repli-134. Its ozone friendly and works well as long as your not looking for record temps.

[Xeon th MG Pony]

AQll refrigerants are flammible, some more then others, R-12 burns just as good as R-134a once you get it to the right temp, and all are deadly toxic when burnt.

[SunTzu69]

You guys have been a great help. I am fairly certain that I will make the move to phase-change. However, I am not so sure that it should be DIY for my first unit. I would really enjoy building a unit, but I might wait a few years when the budget is a bit more relaxed.

Thanks to those who have sent me pm's to assist. This community is so helpful.