The results of this study have shown that the cooling capacity of R1234yf AAC system is significantly lower (between 5 to 25 %) than R134a system. In the experiment, the power of the compressor is slightly lower (up to 11 %) for refrigerant R1234yf compared to R134a inside the AAC system.
However when the condensing temperature gets lower, R1234yf outperformed R134a. Over the range of operational conditions tested, the maximum difference in terms of cooling capacity is less than 5% and the COP is less than 10%.
Also, the performance of R1234yf and R134a in the EERC has been compared. The study shows that, at condensing temperature of 40 °C and evaporation temperature of 5 °C, the coefficient of performance (COP) and volumetric cooling capacity (VCC) of the R1234yf EERC peak up to 5.91 and 2590.76 kJ/m3, respectively.
While R-1234yf could be the perfect replacement for R-134a, there is one major challenge with this new technology. The R-1234yf is much more reactive than R-134a.
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.
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.
The commonly used synthetic refrigerants such as R134a, R407C and R410A have a GWP value higher than 2,500. As a result, their production is being phased out.
The cooling capacities of the R134a and Mix30 systems were found to be 4.039 and 3.787 kW, respectively, when compressor rotating speed was 1000 rpm; this increased to 5.839 and 5.455 kW, respectively, at a rotating speed of 2000 rpm.
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.
Avoid breathing gas. Provide adequate ventilation. Wear appropriate respirator when ventilation is inadequate. Put on appropriate personal protective equipment.
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.
R32 is the newest and most popular air conditioner refrigerant gas. This is because of its relatively high efficiency and low GWP (Global Warming Potential). R410A is also popular, but its higher GWP means that its more harmful to the environment.
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?”
Vehicles with R-1234yf have different service fittings than R-134a vehicles to prevent cross-contamination with different refrigerants. Also, it's illegal to put R-134a or any other refrigerant into a car originally equipped with R-1234yf.
R-454B is the new refrigerant in 2024. By 2025, the EPA's required phaseout of R-410A will be in full effect, with production, importation, and distribution no longer allowed. HVACR businesses must be evaluating their current choices in coolant and ready to make the jump.
Lower Global Warming Potential (GWP): 1234yf refrigerant has a significantly lower GWP compared to 134a, making it a more environmentally friendly option.
General Motors began introducing vehicles to the market utilizing this new system in 2013 with full conversion in 2018. Chrysler, Honda, and Subaru models followed in 2017. It is anticipated that by 2025 all vehicles will contain 1234YF.
Internal heat exchanger for R1234yf refrigerant (photo: NRF) As you can see from the above description, R134a and R1234yf refrigerants are not completely identical and their substitution will always result in faster degradation of the A/C system and eventually lead to costly repairs.
The results also shows that the compressor working with R134a performed better than that working with R1234yf when operating under high condensing and low evaporating temperatures. However when the condensing temperature gets lower, R1234yf outperformed R134a.
If you are purchasing less than 2 pounds of either R-134a or R-1234yf, you are not required to have a license to purchase either refrigerant. However, if you are working with 10- and 25-pound single-use recyclable cylinders you will need Section 608 Technician Certification.
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.