1234yf to R134a Conversion Calculator

Aspect	R134a	R1234yf
Chemical Composition	Tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a)	Tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf)
Flammability	Non-flammable	Mildly flammable (A2L classification)
Environmental Impact	High Global Warming Potential (GWP)	Low GWP (approximately 1)
Legal Status	Widely used, no restrictions	Approved only for new vehicles
Conversion Feasibility	Not designed for R1234yf conversion	Not designed for R134a conversion
System Compatibility	Compatible with older AC systems	Requires specific components and design
Pressure Characteristics	Similar pressures but not identical	Different pressure characteristics
Cost	Generally cheaper ($19.95 for 36 oz)	Significantly more expensive ($168.99 for 32 oz)
Cooling Performance	Established performance	Uncertain performance in retrofitted systems
Regulatory Compliance	No special handling requirements	Requires specific handling and storage practices due to flammability

Key Points

• Conversion Risks: Converting R134a systems to R1234yf is illegal and poses safety risks due to the flammability of R1234yf. Likewise, R1234yf systems are not designed to run on R134a, which can lead to system damage and inefficiency .
• Equipment Requirements: Special equipment is needed for R1234yf, including calibrated gauge sets and A2L compliant tools, which are not necessary for R134a .
• Environmental Considerations: The transition from R134a to R1234yf is part of a broader effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with R1234yf being favored for its lower environmental impact despite its higher cost .

Conclusion

While both refrigerants serve similar functions in automotive air conditioning systems, they are not interchangeable due to significant differences in chemical properties, safety regulations, and system compatibility.