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The Daily Insight

Can 134a replace 1234yf?

Author

James Craig

Updated on June 06, 2026

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. It appears R1234yf oil is compatible with R134a (but not vice-versa), so shouldn't be a problem there.

Then, can I use 134a in a 1234yf system?

We have received some questions about putting R-134a into HFO-1234yf system and here's why you should not do that from EPA.

Similarly, are R-134a and R1234yf fittings the same? R134a and R1234yf are similar, however, R1234yf was created as a more environmentally friendly replacement to R134a. The biggest difference between the two is that R1234yf is mildly flammable and does require special handling. Diagnosis of the air-conditioning system can be done in the same way as with R134a.

Just so, what happens if you put R-134a in a R1234yf system?

"r1234yf is not nearly as efficient as r134a" is apparently not true, at least from a quick read of a few industry papers just now. 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.

Does R1234yf cool as good as R-134a?

The experimental results show that the coefficient of performance (CoP) of R1234yf is 20% lower than R134a with condenser temperature of 40 °C and evaporator temperature of 0 °C. The volumetric efficiency of R1234yf is 5% lower than R134a with condenser temperature of 40 °C and evaporator temperature of −1.5 °C.

Related Question Answers

How much does a 1234yf recharge cost?

The national average price of an R134A recharge in 2018 was around $200-$300 with the cost of the previous standard R134A refrigerant at $30 per pound. However, the average current market price of the R1234yf refrigerant is $120 per pound.

Why is 1234yf so expensive?

Originally, we heard from the manufacturers that the price was so high due to development time and lack of resources to manufacture the product. But now, years have passed and fully functioning manufacturing plants have been opened.

Is 134a refrigerant being phased out?

HFC-134a: a Potent Greenhouse Gas

HFC-134a will no longer be approved for use in new light-duty vehicles manufactured or sold in the United States as of model year 2021 as a result of EPA's July 2015 final rule under SNAP (July 20, 2015, 80 FR 42870).

What cars use R1234yf?

Current list of OEs that use R-1234yf refrigerant
  • BMW i3 Electric.
  • Cadillac XTS.
  • Chevrolet Malibu, Spark EV, Trax.
  • Chrysler 200C, 200S, 300, 300C.
  • Citroën C4, Elysëe.
  • Dodge Challenger, Charger, Dart, Ram 1500.
  • Fiat 500.
  • Ford Transit.

Can you buy 1234yf?

Yes, as of January 1st, 2018 you will need to be 609 certified with the EPA in order to purchase 1234yf refrigerant. The only exception is buying for wholesale or when purchasing containers that contain less than two pounds of refrigerant. This new rule applies to R-134a cylinders as well.

How much does 1234yf cost per pound?

A pound of R-1234yf costs $80-$110, according to Abbot. That's potentially a $200 materials bill, Collision Hub CEO Kristen Felder noted. Abbot said R-134a is $3 a pound, so if the shop doesn't charge for it, it's less of a big deal. But if a shop fails to invoice R-1234yf, “you're eating it,†he said.

What happens if you put the wrong refrigerant in your car?

Most DIY canisters are filled with the R-134a type of refrigerant. You cannot mix refrigerant types, and putting the wrong refrigerant in your car will cause damage to the air conditioning system! If you're not sure which kind of refrigerant your vehicle takes, DIY A/C charging may not be for you.

What is the difference between 134a and 134yf?

Let's take look at these new refrigerants. R134a and R1234yf are similar, however, R1234yf was created as a more environmentally friendly replacement to R134a. The biggest difference between the two is that R1234yf is mildly flammable and does require special handling. R744 is carbon dioxide, so it is non-flammable.

What type of oil is compatible with HFO-1234yf?

PAG oil

How long does R-1234yf remain in the atmosphere?

But R1234yf is a further advancement over R134a, as it takes only three to four years to break down in the upper atmosphere. Relax, now is the time to train and tool up.

Can you mix r134 and R-134a?

Maikal, when you say R-134a, it is the same chemical. So, whether you are adding it all from 1 manufacturer or from 5 different ones, it doesn't matter.