What type of AC recharge do I need?

The most common refrigerant is R-134A (or HFC-134a) however newer vehicles may use R-1234YF

R-1234YF

2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoropropene, HFO-1234yf, is a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) with the formula CH₂=CFCF₃. It is also designated R-1234yf as the first of a new class of refrigerants: it is marketed under the name Opteon YF by Chemours and as Solstice YF by Honeywell.

https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › 2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoropropene

2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoropropene - Wikipedia

(or HFO-1234yf). Even still, some very old vehicles may also be using R-12 (or Freon). The easiest way to know is to check your vehicles A/C system nameplate under the hood.

How do I know if my AC is R-12 or R134a?

To tell if it has been converted you can look for a sticker on the unit under the hood, which would indicate that it is R134a. And you can also look for R134a adapters, which would be located on the charge parts.

How do I know what Freon to use in my AC?

To know which type of refrigerant your air conditioner uses, take a look at the label on the compressor unit outside. It'll clearly tell you which type of refrigerant the unit uses. The newer type is R-410A, and the older type that I've been talking about is R-22, also identified as HCFC-22.

Can I recharge my car AC myself?

Topping off a car ac system can usually put you back in the deep freeze. That's a job you can do yourself if your vehicle was made after 1993 and is filled with R-134a refrigerant (check the label under the hood or the specifications section of your owner's manual to be sure).

What cars use R134a refrigerant?

Selected for its low flammability and safety, as well as because it's kinder to the environment, almost every car built since 1994 is equipped with R134 refrigerant.

How to Recharge Your Car's AC System (Fast and Easy)

Can you still use R134a?

USA law requires elimination of R134a in new cars by 2021, Proposed rules will also affect Medium/Heavy Duty vehicles (includes Medium Duty trucks, 250-350or 2500-3500 pick-ups, and Heavy-Duty vans).

Can you still get R134a?

USA: A number of common refrigerants, including R134a, R410A and R407C, will be banned from use in new chillers in the USA from January 1, 2024.

What happens if you use the wrong 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.

Is R1234yf colder than R-134a?

The results of this study have shown that the cooling capacity of R1234yf AAC system is significantly lower (between 5 to 25 %) than R134a system.

How many cans of refrigerant does a car need?

Most cars hold between 28 and 32 ounces of refrigerant (or about 2—3 12oz cans), however larger vehicles and those with rear A/C will likely hold more. Check your vehicle manual for the system capacity for your specific vehicle.

Can you still buy R22 freon?

R22 refrigerant is illegal to import and manufacturer in the U.S. But it's not illegal for anyone to buy R22 freon. And it's not illegal to sell it IF you have a license. As long as the stocks last, you will be able to continue purchasing R22 from specialized dealers and form your air conditioning company.

How do I know if I have R22?

There should be a manufacturer's label on the air handler or the condenser containing the manufacture date. If it was made before 1996, then it is using R22.

What year did 134a start?

Automobile manufacturers began to transition to the non-ozone depleting refrigerant, HFC-134a, with 1992 model year vehicles. By the 1995 model year, all new vehicles sold in the United States with air conditioners used HFC-134a refrigerant.

Can you replace R134a with R12?

Mixing R12 and R-134a refrigerants is illegal, and even if you previously bleed out the R12, the system has to be adjusted to use R-134a, or it will cause leaks, copper corrosion, and lack the lubrication required for optimal operation.

Is R12 Freon still available?

It is illegal to manufacture new R12, but it is not illegal to sell or use R12. And many of the cylinders and cans of Freon R-12 sold for decades throughout the United States are still around.

What happens if you put 1234yf in a 134a system?

The mixing of R-134a with R-1234yf will change refrigerant pressure and may result in evaporator freeze-up on pressure control systems, reducing system airflow.

Can you mix 1234yf and 134a?

No, you cannot put R-134a into a HFO-1234yf system; here's why...

Can you convert R-134a to R1234yf?

While you might be thinking you're doing the environment a solid, do not do it. It is illegal to convert an R12 or 134a system to 1234yf.

Can you mix R134a and R22?

You're wondering if you can mix different refrigerants for your air conditioning system. The short-long-only answer is no, never. There are many reasons why it's impractical, illegal, and not economical for a homeowner to mix refrigerant types.

Can you replace R22 with R134a?

However, units made after 2010 can use R22 alternatives such as R410A, R134A, R407C, and R407A. These refrigerants cool just as effectively as R22 without the ozone depleting features, and they have an acceptable Global Warming Potential (GWP).

What happens if you add too much R134a?

Having too much refrigerant in your AC can damage the compressor. This can happen because the excess refrigerant will likely collect inside the compressor and cause subcooling, wherein temperatures are below normal. Furthermore, the extra refrigerant can flood the compressor and damage its mechanical parts.

Is 134A and R134a the same?

Yes, it's the same refrigerant. The regular R-134A has a 1/4" flare connector, and the Auto (Mobile Air Conditioning) cylinder has an SAE connector. If you look at the following links, you can see that they are both 1,1,1,2 tetrafluoroethane.

What refrigerant is replacing R134a?

There are three refrigerants that can be used to replace R-134a: R-1234yf, R-152a, and R-744. More on these replacements later.

What year cars use R134a?

R134a Freon: Vehicles Manufactured Between 1995 and 2021

The majority of vehicles on the road today use R134a to fuel their air conditioning systems.