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R1234YF, the new AC refrigerant – What you need to know

R1234YF

Over the last few years a changeover has been occurring in the automotive world, and since R134a is SO 1995, that means we get a new AC refrigerant in new cars from now on.  Since R12 was phased out, we’ve all gotten pretty used to R134a.  Designed as a safer alternative to R12 for the ozone layer (which at the time had a hole in it the size of the moon), R134a had a good run and did it’s part.  That’s not to say it wasn’t still horrible for the ecosystem.  With a “global warming potential” score of 1430, (much higher than the recommended value of 150), the European Union decided to make another change in 2006.

What is this new refrigerant?

PAO oil
PAO oil is incompatible and will not mix with the PAG oil required by R1234YF

R1234YF is the new standard, approved in the EU in 2008 it will obviously take some time to fully change over.  Some Chrysler and GM cars have been shipping with the new refrigerant for a few years now, and other carmakers will be required to follow suit.  The EU is now requiring all new cars to use R1234YF, so get ready to start seeing it a lot.  Luckily we won’t have to deal with it for awhile, as all these systems are still nice and new.  Fundamentally, R1234YF systems will run at a slightly higher pressure, and the gas itself is actually flammable.  Not super flammable, but it will burn slowly if you really tried to light it on fire (don’t).  This means that all AC service shops will be slowly getting the new tools, machines, and training required to service R1234YF cars.

What this means for you

For now, you don’t have to do anything.  R134a will still be available and the government will not be requiring you to retrofit like they did the R12 systems anytime soon.  The ports on the new systems will be different sized, so physically you or a shop will not be able to hook up an R134a machine or fitting, so you don’t have to worry about doing it accidentally.  The R1234YF systems have a few extra components, but effectively there are no major changes.  One thing to note is that although components may be approved for both R134a and R1234YF, the oil inside them might not be.  R1234YF requires a ‘Double End Capped’ PAG oil.  Parts that are compatible with the new refrigerant will be clearly labeled as such.

[SHOP A/C Parts]

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6 thoughts on “R1234YF, the new AC refrigerant – What you need to know

  1. ” The R1234YF systems have a few extra components, but effectively there are no major changes.”

    Could you elaborate? Also, what is the effectiveness compared to the older gases for a similar size condenser?

    1. Absolutely, there’s a new in-line heat exchanger that consists of a chamber inside another chamber. Cool fluid flows over the top of the inside chamber, adding to the evaporators overall efficiency. I don’t have a diagram handy, but its a simple little device that gives a small boost. The evaporator is also a little more reinforced to handle the slightly higher pressure. Overall the gas is pretty much the same, as in not as large of a difference in cooling capacity in comparison to R12, it’s just much better for the environment.

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