Can you mix R134a with other refrigerants?

Author: Felicity Muller Jr.  |  Last update: Thursday, July 3, 2025

Carter Volkswagen Auto Care FAQs: Can You Mix Automotive A/C Refrigerant Types? In short, the answer is, "No!" Automotive refrigerants are volatile compounds that can have a negative effect on the environment.

What refrigerant is compatible with R134a?

There are three refrigerants that can be used to replace R-134a: R-1234yf, R-152a, and R-744. More on these replacements later.

Can you mix synthetic refrigerant with regular R134a?

No you can't mix refrigerant. Systems are designed for specific temperatures and pressures and the compressor oil is also specific to the refrigerant type.

Can 134a be mixed with 410a?

You're wondering if you can mix different refrigerants for your air conditioning system. The short-long-only answer is no, never.

Can R22 and 134a be mixed?

No, the compressor will fail. These two refrigerants have very different properties. One of R22 and R134a is high pressure and the other is low pressure. They don't mix chemically and don't have the same boiling point, leading to inefficiencies and eventual compressor failure.

Dangers of Mixing R22 with Other Refrigerants: What Happens in Refrigeration & AC Systems?

Which refrigerant can be mixed?

Can I Mix Refrigerants? Unlike many HVAC-related questions, the answer to this is an unequivocal no. This is true even if a product is advertised as mixable or even if a technician tells you it's OK to mix! Different refrigerants use different oils to lubricate the system, and these oils don't mix.

Can you top off R22 with R134a?

Mixing refrigerants is always a no-no.

Can I mix minus 30 with R134a?

You can use your normal equipment; Minus 30 is suitable for all systems. It doesn't matter whether it is an old R12 system, or a new R134a system, Minus 30 is compatible with all oils, O Rings, Seals and Gaskets.

Can I mix R407c with R134a?

The R407c refrigerant is the best suitable for R22 and R134a refrigerant in the future construction of the heat pumps. As the complete replacement of refrigerant needs system redesign, In the current work R407c has been blended with R134a and the performance and energy consumption patterns are studied.

What is the alternative to 134a?

Possible alternatives to R-134a

Attention is increasingly focused on low-GWP refrigerants that are hydrofluoroolefins (HFO). R-1234yf in particular is often seen as a possible alternative to R-134a. The GWP value of R-1234yf is 4, which means it has a very low global warming potential.

Can you mix different brands of R134a refrigerant?

In short, the answer is, "No!" Automotive refrigerants are volatile compounds that can have a negative effect on the environment. Combining them can have adverse effects, and cause damage to your car's A/C system.

What AC refrigerant is an acceptable drop in replacement for R134a?

With the scientific approach to reduce the global warming potential (GWP) of the refrigerant R-134A (i.e. 1430), the refrigerant R-513A with GWP of 631 is the drop-in replacement.

What happens if you mix different refrigerants?

If you were to mix refrigerants, it would cause all kinds of damage to your system. Your AC unit would likely overheat. Different refrigerants can be different temperatures. They don't mix, which means you'll have refrigerants with two different temperatures running through your unit.

What year did they stop using R134a refrigerant?

In the United States, vehicles produced after 2021 no longer contain R-134A in the air conditioning system. In other parts of the world, including the United States, there are restrictions around using 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane. Specifically, in California, retailers can deny selling customers canned R-134a.

Can you mix R134a and R12?

As previously stated, R12 systems usually use mineral oil, which is incompatible with R134a. When R134a comes into contact with mineral oil, it can hinder the oil from returning to the compressor, or possibly reduce heat transfer.

Can I use automotive R134a in a refrigerator?

A: If the refrigerator is designed for 134a, yes it can be used with the right equipment for charging.

Can you mix R-22 and R134a together?

The answer is no, refrigerants should not be mixed.

Can I mix R134a with R600a?

R600a refrigerators use the same desiccant as R134a refrigerators, and the desiccant filter can be used universally (only for new, unused desiccant filters). The electromagnetic valve for R600a double capillary tube refrigerators should be explosion-proof and not mixed with R134a refrigerators.

What is R134a compatible with?

The chemical stabilities of copper, steel, and aluminum have been tested and confirmed as acceptable for use with Freon™ 134a and lubricants. Acceptable plastics and elastomers have been found for use with existing CFC refrigerants.

What happens if you put too much R-134a?

Too much refrigerant leads to an overcharged air conditioner, which can reduce your unit's efficiency and cause several other problems for your system.

Can you mix R32 and R-134a?

In the conventional refrigeration cycle (CRC), the mixture R32/R134a has a close performance to that is obtainable with pure refrigerant R22. However, the mixture R32/R134a in the NRC will result in a better performance.

Can you put 12a in a 134a system?

RED TEK 12a has been formulated and blended to give similar capacities as R12 and R134a, making it simple to use in existing R12 and R134a systems.

What freon will replace R134A?

The GWP for R-134a refrigerant is 1,430, making it 1,430 times more harmful than carbon dioxide when released into the atmosphere. There are three refrigerants that can be used to replace R-134a: R-1234yf, R-152a, and R-744.

Is it illegal to recharge AC with R22?

As of January 1, 2020, production and import of R22 refrigerant will be illegal in the United States. Of course, continued use of your air conditioner (AC) or heat pump system using R22 refrigerant is allowed.

Is R 404A a single compound or blend?

Freon™ 404A (R-404A) is a blended hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant comprised of R-125, R-134a, and R-143a. It was designed to replace R-502 and R-22 used in commercial refrigerator equipment for low and medium temperature ranges.

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