R1234yf is classified as an A2L mildly flammable refrigerant, and requires the use of equipment designed for use with such a refrigerant.
HFO-1234yf. This refrigerant is actually classified as an A2L (lower flammability), which means it has a lower risk of flammability compared to the A3 classification.
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.
According to ASHRAE Standard 34, HFO-1234yf is classified in safety group A2L. This means it is in the lower segment of the mildly flammable refrigerants.
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.
You can convert an empty R-1234yf system to R-134a. Mercedes made this obvious when it raised objections to R-1234yf over 11⁄2 years ago and recalled European models with the refrigerant, recovered it from the vehicles' systems and recharged them with R-134a.
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.
R1234yf is classified as an A2L mildly flammable refrigerant, and requires the use of equipment designed for use with such a refrigerant.
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.
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 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 mixing of R-134a with R-1234yf will change refrigerant pressure and may result in evaporator freeze-up on pressure control systems, reducing system airflow.
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).
What refrigerant will replace R-410A in 2025? For whole-home systems, Lennox has chosen 2025 Compliant Refrigerant R-454B due to its excellent performance for ducted systems and zero ozone depletion potential. For mini-splits, we selected R-32, designed to optimize efficiency and reliability in ductless systems.
In with the new
The new refrigerant type uses ND-oil 12, also a PAG 46 oil but with additives specifically for the R1234yf type refrigerant.
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. Don't fret, however, if your current vehicle requires 134a.
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.
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.
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.
The EU is currently revisiting R-1234yf emissions rules and may ban the substance in a few years. In the U.S., the EPA stands by its use.
It was used for so long that most people simply refer to any refrigerant as "freon." In fact, the word Freon is one type of product, a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) compound known by industry experts as R-22. The EPA began phasing out HCFCs in 2010 and officially banned their production and import in 2020.
Limited quantities of reclaimed R-12 is still available for service of installed equipment. A wide variety of R-12 retrofit blends are available.