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. It tends to react with other gases in the atmosphere and break down within a couple of weeks, as compared to R-134a, which remains stable for over a decade.
As previously mentioned, R1234yf has a lower GWP compared to R134a. This means it has a lower potential to contribute to global warming when released into the atmosphere. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, R1234yf is more energy-efficient compared to R134a.
Final answer:
R-1234yf is preferred over R-134a primarily because it has a lower GWP, contributing much less to global warming. It is an environmentally friendly alternative that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While it is more flammable, its benefits for the atmosphere make it the better choice.
Changing from R-1234yf to R-134a refrigerant may result in a system with incorrect refrigerant flow and heat exchanger mal-distribution which may cause a loss of cooling performance or durability concerns.
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.
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.
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.
Refrigerant types are not to be mixed. The usage of dyes and sealants is discouraged.
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.
R-1234yf is used in almost every new car sold in the U.S., but the EU is discussing a ban and the industry is investigating alternatives like CO2 and propane.
PAG Air Conditioning Oil 46 R-1234 YF. Fully synthetic oil based on polyalkylene glycol (PAG). For lubricating, sealing and cooling sliding and rotating parts in the refrigerant compressors and refrigerant circuits in passenger and commercial vehicle air conditioning systems.
R-134a and R-1234yf systems have unique fittings so they can only be used with the appropriate corresponding refrigerants and equipment. R-1234yf is very expensive. This has led to end-users trying to replace the refrigerant in vehicles originally containing R-1234yf with R-134a, in an attempt to save money.
In most cars that are on the road today, R134a refrigerant makes the A/C system blow cold on hot days. Selected for its low flammability and safety, as well as because it's kinder to the environment, almost every car built since 1994 is equipped with R134 refrigerant. However, kinder is the key word.
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.
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.
The ACX universal flushing unit is designed for refrigerants R134a and R1234yf. A proper flush of the air conditioning system is one of the most important tasks to be carried out during repairs and after the replacement of a compressor.
The results of this study have shown that the cooling capacity of R1234yf AAC system is significantly lower (between 5 to 25 %) than R134a system. In the experiment, the power of the compressor is slightly lower (up to 11 %) for refrigerant R1234yf compared to R134a inside the AAC system.
If you were to put R1234yf in a system designed for R134a, it looks like you'd end up with about a 10% loss of cooling capacity, but putting R134a into a R1234yf system would be a wash.
R-410A is a refrigerant that is classified as a greenhouse gas with a high global warming potential and a negative impact on the climate. It is being phased out for a more environmentally friendly solution for HVAC systems.
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.
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.
For example, when set to R134a, the HLD5000 will also react to concentrations of HFO-1234yf but not with the right signal size.
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.