Can You Retrofit an R1234yf A/C System to R134a?
“As a result of a July 2015 rulemaking, by model year 2021, the MVAC systems in newly manufactured light-duty vehicles in the United States will no longer use HFC-134a.” (epa.gov)
Considering the average age of light-duty vehicles in operations is approximately 11 to 12 years, technicians will continue to repair R134a systems alongside R1234yf systems for some time. While R1234yf is proven to yield a significantly lower global warming potential, it is much more expensive than R134a and requires separate service equipment (e.g., charging equipment, fittings, expansion devices). The high costs of servicing R1234yf systems poses the question, “Can you retrofit R1234yf A/C systems to R134a?”.
EPA regulations strictly prohibit retrofitting, converting, and/or cross contaminating R1234yf systems with any other refrigerant. Civil penalties range from $25,000 for manufacturers and $2,500 for individuals per violation (EPA Clean Air Act, Section 205).
Considering the average age of light-duty vehicles in operations is approximately 11 to 12 years, technicians will continue to repair R134a systems alongside R1234yf systems for some time. While R1234yf is proven to yield a significantly lower global warming potential, it is much more expensive than R134a and requires separate service equipment (e.g., charging equipment, fittings, expansion devices). The high costs of servicing R1234yf systems poses the question, “Can you retrofit R1234yf A/C systems to R134a?”.
EPA regulations strictly prohibit retrofitting, converting, and/or cross contaminating R1234yf systems with any other refrigerant. Civil penalties range from $25,000 for manufacturers and $2,500 for individuals per violation (EPA Clean Air Act, Section 205).
Beware of bogus R1234yf to R134a retrofit equipment.
Not only is it illegal to retrofit R1234yf to R134a, but cross contaminating refrigerants is also dangerous and likely to cause system failure.
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