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The following text provides a brief overview of R-134a for operators of equipment that uses R-134a and service providers who work on that equipment. It explains where to obtain further information and assistance as well.
R-134a (chemical designation: 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane) is a hydrofluorocarbon. Its desirable properties makes it an increasingly popular refrigerant in refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment and many automotive A/C systems.
R-134a is a potent greenhouse gas with a GWP (global warming potential) value of 1,430. In other words, the greenhouse effect of the R-134a refrigerant is 1,430 times the 100-year warming potential of the same volume of carbon dioxide.
There has been an enormous increase in the price of R-134a (up to 400 percent and still rising). This trend was set in motion by Regulation (EU) 517/2014, which requires a gradual reduction of fluorinated greenhouse gases with high global warming potential within the EU and a switch to more environmentally friendly refrigerants by 2030.
As a result, R-134a – which is used in the A/C systems of many vehicles – is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain as manufacturers switch to producing more environmentally friendly refrigerants that are not subject to volume restrictions. However, more and more of the refrigerant will be needed for service and maintenance work, and there is a risk of further substantial price increases due to scarcity.
In addition to growing research into CO₂ technologies, new refrigerants have now been developed with thermodynamic properties that are similar to R-134a’s while also having very low GWP values. Attention is increasingly focused on low-GWP refrigerants that are hydrofluoroolefins (HFO).
R-1234yf in particular is often seen as a possible alternative to R-134a. The GWP value of R-1234yf is 4, which means it has a very low global warming potential. However, it presents an increased risk in industrial refrigeration systems and especially in automotive A/C systems because R-1234yf – like all HFOs – is flammable. Design measures might increase safety.
Overall, the findings to date suggest that the same performance and efficiency can be achieved with R-1234yf as with the old refrigerant R-134a if the system is modified appropriately. However, other solutions will have to be considered because of the flammability issue.
R-1234ze(E) also hails from the group of HFOs. It has comparable advantages but also the same disadvantages as R-1234yf. Unofficially, R-1234ze(E) is mainly marketed as a substitute for R-134a in centrifugal chillers for large air-conditioning systems. There are several potential alternative HFO refrigerants . However, only a few of these substances meet the requirements for flammability, toxicity, thermodynamic properties and compatibility with other materials and substances.
Key information about refrigerants
Information about R 410a (GWP value: 2088).
Information about R-404a (GWP value: 3,920).
Information about R-1234yf (GWP value: 4).
Information about R-290 (GWP value: 3).
For the above reasons, R-134a cannot be considered a viable refrigerant for the future. Operators using this refrigerant in their equipment will have to switch to an alternative in the foreseeable future.
Use our GWP value calculator to easily find out what you need to do.
Filling volume (kg)*
Refrigerant* R22 R23 R134a R32 R404A R507A R407A R407F R422A R407C R417A R422D R427A R410A R450A R513A R448A R449A R452A R1234yf R1234ze
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The refrigerant has a GWP value of: This translates into a CO2 equivalent of: metric tons Information about the testing cycle: Regulation (EC) No 1005/2009 has banned the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons since January 1, 2015. Urgent action is needed! The CO2 equivalent is below the limits that currently require regular leak testing. Nevertheless, as an operator, you should perform regular leak tests and maintenance to avoid risking machine breakdowns. CO2 equivalent is above the limits. In this range, regular leak testing (every %s months) is mandatory! In addition, there are record-keeping obligations regarding the charge size, the CO2 equivalent and the recycling or reclamation facilities.
We would be happy to tell you about the requirements (regarding leak checks, record-keeping obligations, F-gas type, regular maintenance, etc.) that you have to satisfy today and in coming years, and where to obtain professional information, advice and services. Request a non-binding initial consultation now.
Key information about Regulation (EU) 517/2014
Our GWP calculator makes it extremely easy to find out the GWP value (global warming potential) of the refrigerant used in your equipment
What you need to know now about refrigerants
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