Member Feedback

Does air conditioning release refrigerant?
My Colorado
Fort Collins breweries
Born in the USA
Kudos for AAA AutoSource
Corrections

Does air conditioning release refrigerant?

The item on page 23 of the September/October EnCompass, “A/C or fresh air,” makes some interesting points, but leaves me a bit confused. It would seem to imply that using a car’s air conditioner releases refrigerant into the atmosphere. Isn’t it a closed system? I believe only damage would cause it to release HFC-134a. Refrigerant is not consumed through use, otherwise it would need to be topped up at intervals.

Joseph M., via email

Editor’s Note: This is correct. However, damage to a car’s air conditioner is not at all uncommon. Leaks can develop from hoses and seals, and often these are small enough that it can take a long time before the driver notices any loss of cooling power and has the air conditioner serviced.

My Colorado

This time, I started at the back of the magazine, and much to my surprise and total delight, I found the My Colorado essay which expressed my own thoughts and feelings so perfectly. It brought tears of deep and sincere approval. Thanks to EnCompass and to Diane Gardner for expressing her thoughts so beautifully!

Shirley L., via email

Fort Collins breweries

My wife and I are Colorado natives and are always looking for new and different places to visit in this great state. I read the article by Linda DuVal, “Fort Collins: a year-round getaway” with interest. I was surprised that Linda mentioned the Budweiser Brewery, but neglected to mention one of the best Colorado breweries, Odell Brewing—the second micro brewery to open in Colorado. They make great beers in small batches, not the mass-produced stuff that is sold by the mega breweries. I was also surprised that she could not find more original places to eat than Beau Jo’s and The Egg and I. There are numerous great restaurants in the city that aren’t chains/franchises.

Bob P., Lakewood

Born in the USA

I was very pleased to read the article “Born in the USA.” It is about time someone speaks out about this topic. People think that foreign-made automobiles are the only vehicles that get good gas mileage and are dependable. Chevrolet offers more vehicles that get 30 mpg or more than Toyota does.

Not only do manufacturers of American-made cars offer vehicles that are fuel efficient, but they are reliable also. I own a 2004 GMC truck that has 167,000 miles on it and it has not required any service other than regular maintenance, new tires and new brakes. I also own a 1994 Pontiac Firebird with 171,000 miles on it. The only service it has required is a new fuel pump along with regular maintenance.

People need to wake up and realize that American-made vehicles are made just as well as foreign vehicles at a competitive price. How about supporting jobs in our own country?

Amy C., Strasburg

Kudos for AAA AutoSource

Reading “Car Buying Without Pain,” we have to say yes! Laura Snell in the Wheat Ridge office found us our new (used) car in two days and we love it. Laura went above and beyond to help us. We can not say “Thank you” enough to her.

Sam & Karen M., Victor

Corrections

Jan/Feb article on Oberammergau: The bubonic plague epidemic that struck Bavaria in the 1600s was not the Black Death. The term “Black Death” is used only for the epidemic that struck Europe from 1347–1351. Thanks to reader William C.

Jan/Feb article on Fort Collins: Ice fishing is not permitted at Horsetooth Reservoir due to unsafe ice conditions. Thanks to reader Jan S.

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Letters less than 200 words are considered first for publication in the print magazine. Letters published in EnCompass do not necessarily reflect the opinion of AAA Colorado. We reserve the right to edit for length and clarity. Email editor@colorado.aaa.com.

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