What is the most common replacement refrigerant for R-12 is R134a?

Author: Prof. Ike Padberg PhD  |  Last update: Saturday, June 7, 2025

Final answer: R-134a is the most commonly used refrigerant to replace R-12 in new household refrigerators, due to its ozone-friendly properties and suitability for refrigeration. R-22 and R-410A are also refrigerants, but they are not typically used in household refrigerators.

What is the best replacement for R12 refrigerant?

The best drop in replacement for R12 is R152a, which is most easily bought as computer duster (seriously). It has very similar psychrometric performance to R12 so heat exchanger sizing is the same, pressure switches still work as intended, and system performance is the same as stock when everything is working well.

Can I replace R12 with R-134a?

R-12 AND R-134A ARE NOT INTERCHANGEABLE. R-134A CANNOT BE ADDED TO FILL A LOW R-12 SYSTEM. THE COMBINATION OF THE TWO MATERIALS CAN CAUSE HIGH SYSTEM PRESSURES, WHICH COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE SYSTEM.

Can you still get R12 refrigerant?

While it can no longer be manufactured, there is a surprising amount of Freon still available as new old stock (NOS).

Is 134a a drop-in for R12?

HFC-134a is the alternative refrigerant of choice to replace CFC-12 in many medium- and high-temperature stationary refrigeration and air conditioning applications. It has also replaced R-12 in automotive air conditioning applications. However, R-134a is not a direct drop-in refrigerant for R-12.

Best R12 Replacement - Top 5 R12 Replacement of 2021

What is the most common replacement refrigerant for R12 is R134a?

Final answer: R-134a is the most commonly used refrigerant to replace R-12 in new household refrigerators, due to its ozone-friendly properties and suitability for refrigeration.

Can you use R134a in a R12 refrigerator?

As previously stated, R12 systems usually use mineral oil, which is incompatible with R134a. When R134a comes into contact with mineral oil, it can hinder the oil from returning to the compressor, or possibly reduce heat transfer.

Does AutoZone sell R12 refrigerant?

Or, if you'd like to tackle the job yourself, AutoZone has all the tools and refrigerant to service your R-134A or R-12 vehicle.

What gas can I substitute for R12?

The Duracool 12a is used to replace the R12 and R134a gases and owes its success to its ecological qualities. It is an hydrocarbon gas with zero impact on the ozone layer. It requires only 35% of the load weight of the R12 and 40% of that of the 134a.

Where can I get R12 Freon?

You can usually find cans on Ebay. However, to handle it legally (in the US) you need an EPA 609 certification, which you can get at EPATest.com for $20. R12 manufacture was banned in the US in 1994, as it's not very planet-friendly, so it's getting more expensive.

What will replace 134a refrigerant?

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 R12 refrigerant illegal?

More than 100 countries have signed on to the Montreal Protocol which banned R12 – undoubtedly representing the vast majority of refrigerant usage globally.

What refrigerant has replaced R12 in automotive systems?

Automotive service technicians depend on Freon™ 134a (R-134a) refrigerant, a non-ozone depleting hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) replacement for R-12. Freon™ 134a is the standard in many mobile air conditioning (AC) units, and also replaces R-12 in: Commercial stationary refrigeration systems.

How much R134a to replace R12?

R12 to R134a Charge Conversion Formula (pounds only)

Take the R12 charge specification and multiply it by 0.9. Then, subtract that result by 0.25 pounds to get the proper amount of R134a charge.

Is R12 refrigerant safe to use?

Non-flammable material. Overexposure may cause dizziness and loss of concentration. At higher levels, CNS depression and cardiac arrhythmia may result from exposure. Vapors displace air and can cause asphyxiation in confined spaces.

Which of the following refrigerants replace R12 in domestic refrigerators?

Answer: Answer is R134a. R134a is HFC , used in automotive air conditioning and as a replacement for R12 in medium and high temperature refrigeration applications , such as commercial and domestic refrigeration and chillers.

What is the most common replacement for R12?

RS-24 is a “Drop-in” alternative for R12 which also provides a long term solution at the same time. It provides, therefore, a one change solution to the replacement of R12 at minimal expense.

Is R134a a drop in replacement for R12?

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.

Is R12 still sold?

While the production of new R12 is banned, it is not illegal to sell or use R12.

Is there a direct replacement for R12 refrigerant?

Drop-in and long-term R12 replacement

RS-24 also provides a long term solution to replacing R12 in most applications such as hermetic and semi-hermetic systems, domestic refrigerators, refrigerated transport, cold stores, cellar cooling, dairy chillers, vending machines and including mobile air conditioning.

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.

Can you mix 134a and R-134a?

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.

What is the replacement gas for R12?

Refrigerant R409A

R409A is blend of R-22, R-142b, and R-124 and used to replace R-12 refrigeration systems. The pressure and system capacity match R-12 when the blend is running in a -12.2ºC to -6.7ºC evaporator, and there is typically -10.56ºC temperature glide in the evaporator.

What replaces R134a?

The GWP for R-134a refrigerant is 1,430, making it 1,430 times more harmful than carbon dioxide when released into the atmosphere. There are three refrigerants that can be used to replace R-134a: R-1234yf, R-152a, and R-744.

Is R134a being phased out in refrigerators?

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.

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