R-1234yf is used in almost every new car sold in the U.S., but the EU is discussing a ban and the industry is investigating alternatives like CO2 and propane. The question is why the auto companies, with all of their ability to identify emerging chemicals of concern, were using R-1234yf in the first place?”
It is anticipated that by 2025 all vehicles will contain 1234YF. Don't fret, however, if your current vehicle requires 134a. Though 134a is not compatible with 1234YF and is expected to be phased out, it is still in production and will continue as long as there is a demand for repair of older vehicles.
When was the 1234YF introduced? The new Freon that is being used in vehicles was first introduced in 2013. Only a few vehicles had 1234yf in them. There are still vehicles out there that use 134a Freon.
In 2010, Chevy, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac announced that their 2013 vehicles would use this new refrigerant within the U.S. Since then, many other automotive manufacturers have transitioned to using R-1234yf with the EPA scheduling all newly manufactured vehicles to be equipped by 2021 (click here to read more).
Changing from R-1234yf to R-134a refrigerant may result in a system with incorrect refrigerant flow and heat exchanger mal-distribution which may cause a loss of cooling performance or durability concerns.
Still, the answer is an emphatic, “No.” Not only would a retrofit of this type negate the environmental benefits of R-1234yf, but it would also be a violation of Federal Law under Section 203 of the Clean Air Act: “tampering” with a vehicle's emissions control device.
Switching to R1234yf refrigerant is a step towards a greener future, but it comes with higher costs due to advanced equipment, stringent regulations, and specialized training.
This group of synthetic refrigerants is not subject to a ban on use. This means that installations using R134a, R407C and R410A can simply be refilled after 2030. However, there will be significantly less synthetic refrigerant available in the future due to production limitations.
R-1234yf is used in almost every new car sold in the U.S., but the EU is discussing a ban and the industry is investigating alternatives like CO2 and propane. The question is why the auto companies, with all of their ability to identify emerging chemicals of concern, were using R-1234yf in the first place?”
Refrigerant types are not to be mixed. The usage of dyes and sealants is discouraged.
“More than a trend, R-1234yf is here to stay and is widely accepted as the 'future of automotive refrigerants — in use now.
Another HFC R-134a typically used in automobiles, will not be permitted to be used in Model Year 2021 vehicles; however, R-134a is not restricted for use in chillers. Even though HFCs are under scrutiny, they remain the right choice for chillers and other industrial cooling uses.
R1234yf has an atmospheric life of 11 days compared to a 13 year lifespan for R134a. R1234yf compares in efficiency to R134a and has the same cooling capacity. Vehicles using R1234yf are expected to use less fuel and produce 20-30% less CO2 which means a significantly reduced carbon footprint. R1234yf is safe to use.
Depending on its intended sales region, the air conditioning system is filled with R134a or R1234yf refrigerant.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has since added R-134A to its list of greenhouse gases, declaring definitively that this refrigerant is a poor choice for the future of the planet and its inhabitants.
In the first half of 2024 we'll phase out our R-410A dedicated models and introduce -01 refrigerant versatile models, compatible with both R-410A and R-454B refrigerants.
R-1234yf refrigerant. To date, most auto manufacturers are using the hydro fluoro olefin (HFO) refrigerant R-1234yf as the replacement of choice for R134a.
R134a has been found to have a lot of greenhouse gas potential, as it can end up in the atmosphere and take forever to break down. For that reason, all new vehicles sold in America after the year 2021 can no longer use this type of refrigerant.
Although this rule is limited to those vehicles, similar regulations for medium/heavy-duty trucks are coming this year, so the 2021 deadline may affect all domestic vehicles by that time. Some vehicles for export will still be able to use R-134a systems until 2025MY.
Toyota refrigerant filling quantities R134a and 1234yf.
Avoid breathing gas. Provide adequate ventilation. Wear appropriate respirator when ventilation is inadequate. Put on appropriate personal protective equipment.
R-32 is the most balanced refrigerant in terms of Environmental Impact/Energy Efficiency/Safety/Cost-Effectiveness for Stationary Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps.
Most vehicles have a label or sticker under the hood that indicate whether the refrigerant used is R-134a or R-1234yf.