That's because refrigerant simply does not go bad or expire.
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.
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.
The truth is that refrigerant doesn't wear out, go bad, or need refills in a leak-free system.
“Where hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) R-134a remains in the atmosphere an average of 12 years, R-1234yf's atmospheric lifetime averages a mere 11 days.”
Store away from direct sunlight in a dry, cool and well-ventilated area, away from incompatible materials (see Section 10). Eliminate all ignition sources. Cylinders should be stored upright, with valve protection cap in place, and firmly secured to prevent falling or being knocked over.
That's because refrigerant simply does not go bad or expire. As long as the cylinder or can is fully sealed (no leaks) and the valve is not open or broken, refrigerant will last in its container indefinitely.
While the refrigerant in your vehicle can escape even without a leak, it's often not enough to cause significant issues unless you've failed to top up the refrigerant for years. When the lack of refrigerant becomes significant though, it can cause a number of problems, including an overheating driver in the summer sun.
First, check your filters and coils for dirt and debris that may be impeding airflow. Once you've cleaned the filters and coils, run the air conditioner with just the fan so that the ice accumulation can melt off. If the AC still doesn't blow cold air, it could be that refrigerant levels are too low.
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.
You can convert an empty R-1234yf system to R-134a.
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.
“More than a trend, R-1234yf is here to stay and is widely accepted as the 'future of automotive refrigerants — in use now.
As standard, all MAHLE ArcticPRO® air conditioning service units have an inte- grated flushing function that allows fast, low-cost flushing of the air conditioning system with the refrigerants R134a or R1234yf. An external flushing unit and parts from a flushing kit will be required— both are available separately.
The EPA declared R-134a “unacceptable” for new vehicles as of model year 2021 but has not taken any action against R-1234yf and does not classify it as an environmentally persistent per- and polyfluorinated substance (PFAS) chemical.
The gas used for air conditioning never runs out. An AC unit can operate for 8–10 years without needing a gas refill if you use it wisely. But, consumption will have an effect on the overall performance. It performs the task of converting hot air into the cold air or serving as the air conditioner's "fuel".
It's important to remember that, while refrigerant shouldn't run out, it can. The only reason your air conditioner's refrigerant levels might change is if there is a leak in the copper coils or at connection points. This is a serious problem that will keep the AC system from working properly.
An evacuate and recharge of the 1234YF for a standard system is $400.00, If you have a dual unit system the price is $450.00.
These A/C systems have a much smaller refrigerant charge and require a concentrated, OEM-grade UV dye. Even the smallest leaks can reduce cooling capacity. Simply add dye to the system, scan with a leak detection flashlight, and see all leaks glow brightly.
REFRIGERANT CAN MULTICOOL 12a , replaces r12, r134a and 1234yf - 160 grs, with thread 1/2 ACME. MULTICOOL 12a is a surrogate fluid with a reduced global warming potential (GWP) for HFC-134a (R134a), R12 and 1234yf.
Acute toxicity May cause an allergic skin reaction. May irritate eyes and skin. May cause respiratory irritation. May be harmful if swallowed.
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.
R1234yf is a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerant. HFO refrigerants are composed of hydrogen, fluorine and carbon atoms, but contain at least one double bond between the carbon atoms. Due to its composition, R1234yf does not damage the ozone layer or has minimal global warming impact.