Is R134a being discontinued?

Author: Paige Heaney  |  Last update: Thursday, December 25, 2025

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.

Is 134a going to be phased out?

The same two refrigerants and 19 others are being listed as unacceptable in new cold storage warehouses from January 1, 2023. The banning of R134a, along with 27 other refrigerants, in new domestic refrigerators and freezers from January 1, 2021, is expected to open the way for the use of hydrocarbon refrigerants.

What are they replacing 134a with?

A High-Performing Alternative to R-134a

Opteon™ XL10 (R-1234yf) refrigerant is a non-ozone depleting (ODP) hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) option that meets the industry's growing demands for sustainable, safe, and effective solutions.

What year did cars stop using 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.

Is R134a refrigerant banned?

A rule proposal by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides that all high-GWP HFCs, including R134a, R404A and R410A, will be banned in most new refrigeration equipment from January 1, 2025.

Is R-134A being phased out?

Can you still get 134a?

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.

How long will 134a be around?

HFC-134a will no longer be allowed in nonroad vehicles as of January 1, 2028. Servicing of existing vehicles using HFC-134a with HFC-134a will not be impacted and will continue to be allowed.

What refrigerant is being phased out?

R-410A is a refrigerant that is classified as a greenhouse gas with a high global warming potential and a negative impact on the climate. It is being phased out for a more environmentally friendly solution for HVAC systems.

Will AutoZone recharge my AC?

An AC leak will lead to warmer air from your vents over time. In most cases this can be fixed with a proven stop leak additive to seal up any leaks. When it's time for an AC recharge, turn to AutoZone.

Can you replace R134a with R-1234yf?

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. On the positive side, this higher reactivity is why R-1234yf is so much more friendly to the environment.

Is it illegal to put 134a in a 1234yf system?

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.

What refrigerant is currently slated to replace R134a?

According to its manufacturer, Chemours, use of R-1234yf has grown so much since the refrigerant replaced the long-established R-134a that it's now used in 95% of new cars sold in the U.S. An estimated 220 million cars on global roads are also using it.

What may replace R134a as a refrigerant in the future?

As part of global efforts to reduce the environmental impact of refrigerants, R134a will be phased out by 2025 in favor of more eco-friendly alternatives like R290 and R1234yf12.

What is a substitute for R134a?

Some notable substitutes for R134a [10] in AAC based on the preceding studies are R1234yf [[11], [12], [13], [14]], R1234z (E) [[15], [16], [17]], R152a [[18], [19], [20]], R290 [21,22], R744 [[23], [24], [25]], R430A [26,27], and R444A [28], etc.

What is the price of replace R134a?

Hcfcs R134A Hydrocarbon Replace, Packaging Type: Cylinder at ₹ 190/piece in Mumbai.

Does R134a go bad?

The shelf life of Freon™ 134a is at least 10 years under normal storage conditions. – Cylinders should be stored in a clean, dry location that is out of direct sunlight. – Storage temperature should be below 126 °F (52 °C). – Cylinders should be protected from mechanical damage due to improper handling.

What is the average cost to recharge an AC unit?

Most homeowners will pay in the range of $200 to $400 for a refill, depending on the type and size of their HVAC unit. If you own a larger r22 unit, you may have to spend $600 or more. To break this down for you, a 25lbs unit of r410A costs anything between $100 and $175.

How to tell if freon is low in AC car?

One of the most obvious signs that your vehicle needs a Freon recharge is that your vehicle will be blowing warm air, even after your vehicle has been running for some time. If your refrigerant gets too low, there will simply not be enough “coolant” to cool the air as it is passed through your evaporator coil.

Will Jiffy Lube put freon in my car?

If all that's needed is to have your system charged, the team at Jiffy Lube® can perform this service for you. They will remove the old refrigerant, vacuum test the system, and recharge your air conditioner with the right refrigerant.

Is R134a being phased out?

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.

What is the new refrigerant in 2024?

Basically, federal standards will require a new type of refrigerant to be used in brand-new home HVAC systems. Right now, cooling systems are required to use HFC and HCFC refrigerants, like R410a. The new guidelines will require A2L refrigerant to be used instead for all systems manufactured after a certain time.

What refrigerant is now banned?

R22 (also known as HCFC-22) is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) once widely used as a refrigerant. If your home or office AC is over 10 years old, it's probably using R22 freon. However, R22 Freon is banned in the U.S. today.

Is R134a still available?

Is R134a Still a Viable Refrigerant Option? While some existing systems can still use R134a, many newer HVAC units are switching to eco-friendly refrigerants. Cars manufactured after 2021 in the United States can no longer use R134a and an alternative must be used.

Will AC units be more expensive in 2025?

Yes – universally, new air conditioners and installation will be noticeably more expensive in 2025. You will save significant dollars by buying and installing now.

What year did cars stop using 134a?

Recently, auto manufacturers have switched to a new type of freon that is even better for the environment. R134a freon was “totally banned” for auto manufacturers in the European Union in 2017. Meanwhile, US manufacturers were required to phase out R134a freon by the 2022 model year.

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