There are three refrigerants that can be used to replace R-134a: R-1234yf, R-152a, and R-744.
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.
Years later, R-134a was found to contribute to global warming, and now it too is being phased out . Enter R-1234yf. R-134a and R-1234yf do have many similar properties. That's because R-134a is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) while R-1234yf is a hydrofluoro-olefin (HFO) refrigerant.
With the scientific approach to reduce the global warming potential (GWP) of the refrigerant R-134A (i.e. 1430), the refrigerant R-513A with GWP of 631 is the drop-in replacement.
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.
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.
There are three refrigerants that can be used to replace R-134a: R-1234yf, R-152a, and R-744.
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.
The cooling capacity of R1234yf used as a drop-in replacement in a R134a refrigerant facility is about 9% lower than that presented by R134a in the test range. This difference in the values of cooling capacity obtained with both refrigerants decreases when the condensing temperature increases and when an IHX is used.
Examples of Drop-In Refrigerants:
R437A and R438A: Replacements for R22 in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. R449A or R448A: Alternatives to R404A, with significantly lower GWP. R513A: A replacement for R134a with low global warming potential (GWP)
A Next-Generation R-134a Refrigerant Alternative
Opteon™ XP10 (R-513A) refrigerant is a non-ozone depleting potential (ODP), low global warming potential (GWP) hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) based replacement for 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.
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.
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.
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.
“ 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.
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.
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.
Refrigerant R513A - Drop-In Alternative for 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.
Whether it's air-conditioning lubricants, seals, gaskets, hoses, compressors, or o-rings, 134 is compatible with most components, guaranteeing seamless integration with your existing system. However, it's essential to note that 134, along with mineral oil, is incompatible with butyl rubber hoses.
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.
If you're looking for a low global warming potential (GWP) alternative alternative, consider Opteon™ XP10 (R-513A)—a new generation hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerant replacement for R-134a in stationary equipment.
The test results conclude that the blend R134a/R32 at a mass fraction of 85/15 can be a drop-in replacement for R134a refrigerant.
However, R134a is not a 'drop-in' replacement for R12 because there is a need to change the compressor lubricant and expansion valve. Changing over from R12 to R134a can therefore be an ex-pensive and time consuming procedure.