What is 134a being replaced with?

Author: Kellie Ruecker  |  Last update: Sunday, January 4, 2026

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 is the new alternative to R134a?

R513A was developed as a replacement refrigerant for R134a. R513A is a modern, non-flammable refrigerant designed to replace R134a in a wide range of applications. It provides a sustainable solution for both new systems and retrofits.

Can you replace R134a with R-1234yf?

You cannot change an r1234yf system to be compatible with r134a. It is both illegal and damaging to the AC system components due to the different types of refrigerant oil used between the two refrigerants.

What is the drop in replacement for 134a?

There are three refrigerants that can be used to replace R-134a: R-1234yf, R-152a, and R-744.

What's the difference between R134a and R-1234yf?

Firstly, the primary difference is the environmental impact. Old refrigerants like R-12 and R-134a are known to contribute to ozone depletion and global warming. In contrast, 1234YF is classified as a has a much lower global warming potential. Secondly, the performance of the refrigerants is different.

How To Retrofit an AC System R-12 to R-134a -EricTheCarGuy

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 vehicles take R-1234yf refrigerant?

Current list of OEMs that use R-1234yf refrigerant
  • BMW i3 Electric.
  • Cadillac XTS.
  • Chevrolet Malibu, Spark EV, Trax.
  • Chrysler 200C, 200S, 300, 300C.
  • Citroën C4, Elysëe.
  • Dodge Challenger, Charger, Dart, Ram 1500.
  • Fiat 500.
  • Ford Transit.

Will 134a be phased out?

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 is replacing R134a in cars?

“ R-1234yf is an even more environmentally-friendly gas than R-134a and has been making its way into some cars since 2013. MOTOR Selectline.

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.

When was R134a banned?

The AIM Act is a Federal nationwide rule phasing out the use of global warming materials. As part of that effort, EPA is now banning the use of 134a in aerosol products as of 1/1/2025. There are excepted products that are allowed to use 134a until 1/1/2028.

What happens if you mix R134a and R-1234yf?

R-1234yf systems that control freeze protection by pressure may encounter loss of cooling performance if charged with 100% R-134a. This is due to the requirement of R-134a to have a lower setting of 3.3 psig to achieve freeze protection at 32 F. This may result in a 4-degree F.

What gas can replace R134a?

Possible alternatives to R-134a

Attention is increasingly focused on low-GWP refrigerants that are hydrofluoroolefins (HFO). R-1234yf in particular is often seen as a possible alternative to R-134a. The GWP value of R-1234yf is 4, which means it has a very low global warming potential.

Can I 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.

What is R134a compatible with?

The chemical stabilities of copper, steel, and aluminum have been tested and confirmed as acceptable for use with Freon™ 134a and lubricants. Acceptable plastics and elastomers have been found for use with existing CFC refrigerants.

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.

What is the best replacement for R134a?

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.

Is R-1234yf being discontinued?

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.

What year did they start using 1234yf?

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.

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.

What refrigerant is being phased out in 2024?

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.

What is the price of replace R134a?

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

How many cans of R-134a do I need?

Most cars hold between 28 and 32 ounces of refrigerant (or about 2—3 12oz cans), however larger vehicles and those with rear A/C will likely hold more. Check your vehicle manual for the system capacity for your specific vehicle.

Why is R-1234yf so expensive?

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.

Do you need a license to buy 1234yf?

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.

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