The main thing to appreciate about 1234YF is its significantly reduced environmental impact, boasting a Global Warming Potential (GWP) over 99% lower than R-134a. This change reflects a global shift towards more sustainable automotive practices.
What's behind the Switch to R-1234yf and what Exactly Does it Mean for Techs? R-134a was originally the replacement for R-12 which was phased out when it was found to be harmful to the ozone layer. Years later, R-134a was found to contribute to global warming, and now it too is being phased out . Enter R-1234yf.
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.
Why is 1234YF Important? Environmentally Friendly: The older refrigerant, R-134a, contributes to global warming if it leaks into the atmosphere. 1234YF has a much lower global warming potential, meaning it's less harmful to the environment.
HFC-134a: a Potent Greenhouse Gas
Potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential that is 1,430 times that of CO2.
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.
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.
The downside, however, is that these systems are more complicated and costlier to maintain. The refrigerant alone costs about ten times more than 134a.
Although this rule is limited to those vehicles, similar regulations for medium/heavy-duty trucks are coming this year, so the 2021 deadline may affect all domestic vehicles by that time. Some vehicles for export will still be able to use R-134a systems until 2025MY.
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.
Most vehicles have a label or sticker under the hood that indicate whether the refrigerant used is R-134a or R-1234yf.
When was the 1234YF introduced? The new Freon that is being used in vehicles was first introduced in 2013. Only a few vehicles had 1234yf in them. There are still vehicles out there that use 134a Freon.
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.
“More than a trend, R-1234yf is here to stay and is widely accepted as the 'future of automotive refrigerants — in use now.
This group of synthetic refrigerants is not subject to a ban on use. This means that installations using R134a, R407C and R410A can simply be refilled after 2030. However, there will be significantly less synthetic refrigerant available in the future due to production limitations.
Avoid breathing gas. Provide adequate ventilation. Wear appropriate respirator when ventilation is inadequate. Put on appropriate personal protective equipment.
R1234yf has an atmospheric life of 11 days compared to a 13 year lifespan for R134a. R1234yf compares in efficiency to R134a and has the same cooling capacity.
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.
May cause irritation to the respiratory system. Direct contact with eyes may cause temporary irritation. Ingestion May be harmful if swallowed.
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.
Unlike R-134a, R-1234yf works similarly to R-12 but requires lower pressures to achieve optimal efficiency levels. Due to this, it takes up approximately 34% less space inside vehicle systems than R-12 does. Also, R-1234yf is able to withstand higher operating temperatures.
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.