Comparing R134 and R1234yf Refrigerants

When it comes to your car’s refrigerant, you should know that most R134 refrigerant (also known as Freon) is no longer being manufactured or sold in the United States. While R134 will be produced indefinitely, the industry is turning to different refrigerants, and will eventually pivot completely as older cars go out of service. That means that if your car is older but still running, you’ll eventually need to find a different kind of refrigerant that works with your car’s coolant system.

R1234yf is the answer to that problem. This new refrigerant can be used in systems that formerly required R134, with a few tweaks, and newer cars are being manufactured to use the new type. Here are the differences between the two refrigerants and the air conditioning requirements for R1234yf refrigerant in Madison, TN:

• More expensive: R1234yf has a higher price tag than R134, but its eventual decreased availability means that the price of Freon will start to go up as supplies dwindle.
• Inline heat exchanger: R1234yf requires the use of an inline heat exchanger. The heat exchanger cools down the liquid refrigerant, using vapor to sub-cool the R1234yf. This keeps the system running cooler overall.
• New service ports: The R1234yf systems use ports that are designed to make it harder (or impossible) to connect components that use other types of refrigerants. However, these ports and caps also have a tendency to leak. To solve this, they use an O-ring to prevent leaks and keep the inside of the port clean.
• Flammability: R1234yf is less flammable than the other liquids in your car, making it a lower fire risk than R134 refrigerant in Madison, TN. It can burn, but it requires a much higher heat, and it tends to burn more slowly than other refrigerants.
• Rechargeable: Freon can be recycled or recharged, just like R1234yf. However, the R1234yf recycling machines and process are more advanced—the machines are designed to not allow contaminated refrigerant and leaks, and can recharge up to 150 pounds before the filter needs to be changed. The R134 machines can be converted into R1234yf machines, but once you make the conversion, you won’t be able to go back.
• Digitized: Now all a mechanic needs to do is follow prompts on the screen and perform a vacuum leak test. If all ends up looking normal, the machine will then allow the recycling process to continue.
• Contamination: The systems can detect whether the R1234yf is less than 98 percent pure, and if so, it will not allow the recycling process to continue. That prevents further damage to your vehicle.

Learn more about R134 and R1234yf refrigerants in Madison, TN

If you’re not sure which kind of refrigerant to use, leave it to the experts at Rivergate Muffler & Auto Repair. Our ASE-certified mechanics can help you with whatever you need to keep your vehicle on the road and running smoothly. From major repairs to preventative maintenance, we offer comprehensive services at fair prices. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

Categorised in: Refrigerant

This post was written by Writer