R-1234yf A/C REPAIR & SERVICE

We Service and Repair Vehicles with New 1234yf Refrigerant

As we see with many things in the world everything around us is evolving and changing. Just about everything from communication devices to how we watch television, things have improved for better or worse. One of the things that is changing with a rapid pace is technology in the cars. Manufacturers are constantly developing ways to improve the driver’s comfort, entertainment, and safety. Along with new features for the comfort of drivers and passengers, there’s also evolving technology going on under the hood. With the advent of the internal computer, cars are better and smarter than ever, and they continue to improve. The most recent progress includes the advancing technology of car air conditioning systems and a new kind of refrigerant. This new refrigerant is said to help improve fuel efficiency while also greatly reducing the harmful effects placed into our environment. Here is what is changing, what you need to know, and who can help when your air conditioner needs service or repair.

Let’s Talk About History

In the 30’s through the early ‘90’s FREON, also known as R12, was used in all car air conditioning systems. By the mid 90’s R12 was phased out and replaced by 134a refrigerant. Now, nearly 30 years after its introduction, 134a is being replaced by 1234yf Opteon™.

Why R-1234yf Refrigerant?

134a is a hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant that contains fluorine and hydrogen. 1234yf is a hydrofluoro-olefin refrigerant developed by DuPont/Honeywell. Just like 134a, 1234yf contains hydrogen, fluorine but it also contains carbon elements. The two are much different when it comes to the harmful effects on the gasses contributing to global warming. 1234yf is much better for the environment with a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) while 134a is a greenhouse gas that is as harmful as carbon dioxide. The 134a was a significant improvement on R12 which has a staggering GWP of nearly 11,000 while 134a brought that number down to 1,430. Now 1234yf, reducing GWP to about a 3. In January 2017, the European Union required all vehicle manufacturers to replace 134a with 1234yf. Soon thereafter, the EPA in the United States followed suit ordering a full transition by the mid 2020’s. General Motors began introducing vehicles to the market utilizing this new system in 2013 with full adaption in 2018. Chrysler, Honda, and Subaru models followed in 2017. It is expected that by 2025 all vehicles will contain 1234yf. Don’t worry, 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 and service of older vehicles.

Vehicle A/C Repair and Service

With this new technology and transition, it is important your service team are properly trained on how to service car A/C systems with this 1234yf refrigerant. Although the process is still similar, there are some key differences that could damage your vehicle if not done properly. As with all systems, the refrigerant must be removed, also called evacuated, and pulled into a vacuum to remove air and moisture. Technician will hook a specialized fully automated machine to your air conditioning system and it will perform a vacuum pressure test to check for leaks within the system. The machine will proceed only if no leaks are detected. Once the vacuum test is complete, the system will be given a “pre-charge” delivering just a 15% charge to the system. During this time, the technician will also test behind the blower for leaks, where the front evaporator inside the vehicle’s cabin is located. Once the machine determines that are no leaks in the system, it will complete the recharge and add the rest of the refrigerant into the system. If for some reason leaks are detected, the machine will alert the technician to locate and repair any leaks before proceeding. This prevents an unnecessary and expensive loss of refrigerant.

Pros and Cons

Changes are always made with the greater good in mind. There are some minor disadvantages to the new refrigerant but with most things, the benefits outweigh the risks. So, what are the pros and cons of 1234yf and the new equipment used for servicing?

Pros:

• Recovers 95% of refrigerant in the system.

• Will not recharge if leaks are detected.

• Will not allow the recovery of contaminated refrigerant.

• Recharges within a ½ ounce of specification.

• More efficient.

Cons:

• More costly and complicated to maintain, requiring specialized equipment, experience and more time.

• It’s mildly flammable. However, it will not ignite without a heat source greater than 1650 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the SAE, the refrigerant is safe for passenger use. Risk of fire is low in the case of an accident or refrigerant leak into the cabin area.