Up until the early 1990s, mineral oil was the lubricant of choice because it mixed easily and well with the R-12 (freon) refrigerant that was universally used at the time. When R-12 was phased out in 1994 due to its ozone-depleting properties, however, a new refrigerant oil was required which mixed well with the new ozone-friendlier R-134a which took its place.

The compressor is the AC unit component that needs adequate oil to run smoothly. The compressor is responsible for compressing the refrigerant and circulating it through the rest of the system. As the refrigerant passes through the compressor, it also carries the oil with it, which lubricates the moving parts of the compressor. Normally, there is no need to add oil to your vehicle’s existing AC system, unless you have changed the compressor or there is a leak, letting oil drip from the system. Hybrid and Electric Vehicles generally require a PAG SP-A2 (ISO 46) oil for the A/C compressor. This is a special type of PAG oil that is non-conductive electrically. This type of oil is required in some hybrid and all electric vehicles that have an electrically-driven compressor rather than a belt-driven compressor. PAG Oil Recommendations for Various Compressors Polyglycols are moderately polar, which gives them moderate film strength properties. They have a very high viscosity index (180 to 280) and good low and high temperature abilities. Both pag and poe oils are synthetic lubricants designed for use in air conditioning and refrigeration systems.

However, because mineral oil and PAG oil are not to be mixed, another compressor oil was needed to bridge the gap. The solution was ester oil. PAG polymers, first discovered more than 150 years ago, saw their breakthrough application occur during World War ll. At that time, both fires on U.S. Navy ships and aircraft were occurring due to the use of mineral oil-based hydraulic fluids. Research at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (USNRL) was begun to develop hydraulic fluids that would be more fire-resistant than the ones used at the time based on mineral oil. Oil is an important ingredient for keeping your AC system running smoothly. Not only does it provide a film on heat-sensitive components to reduce friction and wear, but also controls the amount of pressure that refrigerant gases need to move through them – which creates waste without oil! For this machine to work its best; there needs plenty of never-ending supply from your vehicle’s manufacturer so they can be stored appropriately at all times (until needed). This versatility and the applications in which they are used shows that PAG oils account for about 24 percent of the entire synthetic lubricant market. Low pour points, a wide range of viscosities, resistance to varnish formation, increased solvency and a wide range of solubility all add to PAG lubricants’ reputation as a high-performance synthetic lubricant on the market.

Pag and poe oils are synthetic lubricants that serve similar purposes in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Each oil has unique characteristics that make it suitable for specific applications. Understanding the differences between pag and poe oil can help determine the right choice for your specific system and ensure optimal performance and durability. Pros And Cons Of Pag Oil Other components in the air conditioning system, such as the condenser, evaporator, and expansion valve, do not require lubrication and therefore do not need an oil refill. R-134a has dominated the U.S. market for roughly two decades, but it too is beginning to be eclipsed by a new refrigerant due to environmental concerns. While R-134a does not deplete the ozone like R-12, it has been shown to have notable global warming potential (GWP). For this reason, R-1234yf was developed for its cooling abilities and its low GWP. PAG is actually an acronym for Polyalkylene Glycol, and it is a synthetic oil used in A/C systems to lubricate the compressor. Most newer model cars use PAG as the lubricant in the A/C system.Mineral oil: Mineral refrigerant oil, also known as Alkyl Benzene Oil, was the default option up until HFC refrigerants became common place. Today it is still used in older R-12 refrigerant systems. And because it does not absorb moisture, it is also used to lubricate O-rings and seals in both R-12 and R134a systems.

When it comes to selecting between pag and poe oil for various applications, it’s essential to consider the specific requirements of your system. Here are some key points to consider: Overall, the selection of pag or poe oil depends on various factors, including refrigerant type, system design, and operating conditions. Consulting with a professional in the field can help ensure the right oil is chosen for your specific application. Remember to always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations and guidelines for optimum results. Frequently Asked Questions Which One Is Better For Air Conditioning Systems, Pag Or Poe Oil? At the heart of the issue is a property we refer to as pressure-viscosity coefficient of the various types of lubricant base oils.High compatibility: One of the key advantages of poe oil is its compatibility with various refrigerants, including HFC (HydroFluoroCarbon) and HFO (HydroFluoroOlefin) refrigerants. This wide compatibility makes it a versatile choice for different types of systems.