• Ranjan Singh
• Dec 19, 2024

R1234YF Refrigerant: Quick Guide

Back in the 1930's the R12 refrigerant was used in all vehicle air conditioning systems. Almost all luxury vehicles have air conditioning systems with R12 refrigerant but later this refrigerant was replaced with R134a refrigerant. 

The R134a refrigerant was used for a while and after 30 years it was also replaced with another refrigerant that is R1234YF which is more environmentally friendly.

In this article, we will discuss a brief overview of R1234YF used in air regas machines. If you are interested in knowing more about R1234YF gas then keep reading.

What is R1234YF Refrigerant in an Aircon Regas Machine?

The R123a is a hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant used in earlier days, it contains fluorine and hydrogen. But due to its harmful effects on the environment soon it was replaced with R1234YF refrigerant as it’s more environmentally friendly. However, it also contains fluorine and hydrogen in addition to carbon elements.

Both refrigerants contain similar elements but there is a big difference when we discuss the harmful effects on the gasses contributing to global warming.

What is The Use of R1234YF Refrigerant in An Aircon Regas Machine?

R1234YF is a referent that is used in aircon recovery & regas machines to recharge the vehicle air conditioning systems. Once the old aircon gas has recovered the technician fills up the new R1234YF referent in the air conditioning system. If want to gain more knowledge about air con regas machine then you can read our guide.

What Are the Pros & Cons of R1235YF Refrigent?

The motive of upgrading is always for better improvement. Sure there are some cons of having a new refrigerant but with most things. The benefits outrank the risks. Let’s look at the pros and cons of having 1234YF in your vehicle's air conditioning system. 

Pros of R1234YF 

It can recover almost 95% of the refrigerant in your air conditioning system. It can recharge with a ½ ounce specification. This will not prevent the recovery of contaminated refrigerant. If there is any leakage in your air conditioning system it will automatically stop the recovery process. 

Cons of R1234YF

It is more expensive to maintain and has more complications while operating it. It does have a flammable property but not as much. In the case of an accident or refrigerant leak, the risk of fire is low. 

Can You Convert An R134a System to R1234YF?

It is not possible to convert an R134a refrigerant to R1234YF as they are not designed to operate using a flammable refrigerant as R1234YF is a flammable refrigerant. They are not convertible to a level that satisfies the requirements of international standards (SAE J639 and SAE J2842) set for systems that use R1234yf refrigerant. 

These standards are set to specific requirements for system design. For example, the R1234YF is much stronger compared to the R134a system.

Is R1234yf Compatible with R134a System?

The R1234YF system is not compatible with the R134a system as the R1234YF refrigerant circuit needs service couplers that are different in size compared to an R134a system. R1234yf is a mildly flammable refrigerant and needs a specific system that can handle flammable refrigerants.