Basically the difference in the two relates to how the atoms are attached in forming the chemical compound. R134a is an (and in this case, the only other) isotope, it is designated with the letter "a". The same type and amounts of atoms are used........they are just attached differently (CF3-CH2F) is all.
R134a, also known as HFC-134a, has been the industry standard for automotive air conditioning since the 1990s. It's a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC). A type of synthetic refrigerant that does not contain chlorine. This makes it less harmful to the ozone layer compared to predecessors like R-12.
No you can't mix refrigerant. Systems are designed for specific temperatures and pressures and the compressor oil is also specific to the refrigerant type.
The 134 Replacement Refrigerant, is a blend of environmentally safe hydrocarbon refrigerants designed as a superior replacement for R134a and retrofitted CFC-R12 systems.
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.
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.
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.
The Agency cites the use of TCE in some R-134a production as an unreasonable risk to human health. In October 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed to ban the manufacture (including import), processing, and distribution in commerce of trichloroethylene (TCE) for all uses.
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.
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.
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.
You can use your normal equipment; Minus 30 is suitable for all systems. It doesn't matter whether it is an old R12 system, or a new R134a system, Minus 30 is compatible with all oils, O Rings, Seals and Gaskets.
You cannot mix refrigerant types, and putting the wrong refrigerant in your car will cause damage to the air conditioning system! If you're not sure which kind of refrigerant your vehicle takes, DIY A/C charging may not be for you.
The different types of refrigerants are not meant to be mixed. The refrigerant charge must be optimized by using the refrigerant's respective pressure-temperature chart.
1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (also known as norflurane (INN), R-134a, Klea 134a, Freon 134a, Forane 134a, Genetron 134a, Green Gas, Florasol 134a, Suva 134a, HFA-134a, or HFC-134a) is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) and haloalkane refrigerant with thermodynamic properties similar to R-12 (dichlorodifluoromethane) but with ...
SUB-ZERO® 345 18 oz. One of our better systems, Sub-Zero® is an excellent all-purpose R-134a recharging system for cars and trucks. EZ CHILL® MAC-134 18 oz. The perfect choice if you're on a budget, EZ-Chill® is a good all-purpose R-134a recharging system for cars and trucks.
Most vehicles have a label or sticker under the hood that indicate whether the refrigerant used is R-134a or R-1234yf.
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.
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.
The US EPA is to ban a host of high GWP refrigerants including R404A, R134a, R407C and R410A in certain new products from as early as January 1, 2021.
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.
R-1234yf refrigerant. To date, most auto manufacturers are using the hydro fluoro olefin (HFO) refrigerant R-1234yf as the replacement of choice 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.
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 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.