R1234yf

R1234yf refrigerant

The R1234yf refrigerant is classified as a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO). HFOs were developed to address the high global warming potential of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which were developed earlier. R1234yf is commonly used in vending machines and car air conditioners, and because its properties are similar to those of the HFC refrigerant R134a, it is also used as a substitute for R134a.

Differences between R-134a and R1234yf

R1234yf is a refrigerant that has similar characteristics to the widely used R134a. Both have an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of 0, but they differ significantly in their global warming potential (GWP). "Global warming potential" refers to a value that compares the impact on global warming relative to carbon dioxide, with the GWP of carbon dioxide set at 1. The smaller the number, the lesser the impact. When comparing the GWPs of R134a and R1234yf, R134a has a GWP of 1430, whereas R1234yf has a GWP of less than 1 (according to IPCC AR5 standards). In other words, R134a has 1430 times the greenhouse effect of carbon dioxide, and R1234yf was developed to address this drawback.

Advantages of the R1234yf Refrigerant

Low environmental impact

A major advantage of R1234yf is its low impact on the global environment. It poses no threat to the ozone layer and has been found to have an extremely low greenhouse effect. While specific chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) used in the past had various issues, R1234yf is considered to have minimal adverse effects on the Earth's environment.

Less prone to spontaneous combustion

When attempting to reduce the global warming potential (GWP) to mitigate greenhouse effects, there is a tendency for increased flammability, which means a higher risk of spontaneous combustion. Among such low-GWP refrigerants, R1234yf is characterized by its low flammability. It is less prone to spontaneous combustion and is relatively easy to handle.

Cooling performance equivalent to R134a

The cooling performance of R1234yf differs by less than 5% compared to R134a. There is also no significant difference in energy efficiency, so it can be said that they have equivalent performance.

Points to Consider When Using R1234yf Refrigerant

Higher cost compared to R134a

Since R1234yf is not yet widely adopted in the market, its higher cost compared to R134a must be taken into consideration.

Not yet widely adopted in the market

As of April 21, 2025, it cannot be said that the R1234yf refrigerant is sufficiently widespread in the market. However, it has been decided that the use of car air conditioners utilizing R134a will be reduced in the future, and R1234yf is being promoted as a substitute.

Handling of R1234yf in Global Regulations

Since R1234yf has a GWP of 1 or lower, it is approved as a substitute for high-GWP refrigerants in many countries and regions, and its use is recommended. Below is an overview of how R1234yf is handled under the regulations of major countries. Specific regulatory details vary by region, so it is important to refer to the environmental protection agencies and relevant laws of each country for detailed information.

EU

In the EU, the F-Gas Regulation (Regulation (EU) No 517/2014) is in effect. The F-Gas Regulation aims to reduce the emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) and mitigate the progression of global warming. This regulation promotes the gradual phase-out of high-GWP refrigerants and the transition to low-GWP refrigerants. As a result, in the automotive industry, the use of refrigerants with a GWP exceeding 150 in new vehicles is prohibited. Since the GWP of R1234yf is 1 or lower, it meets this standard and is widely adopted as a refrigerant for vehicle air conditioning systems.

United States

In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates refrigerants through the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program. The SNAP program aims to reduce the use of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and high-GWP (global warming potential) substances, and to promote more environmentally friendly alternatives. R1234yf has been evaluated as part of the SNAP program and approved as a substitute refrigerant for R134a. Additionally, there may be additional regulations at the state level, so it is also necessary to check those.

Japan

In Japan, the Act on Rational Use and Proper Management of Fluorocarbons is in effect, aiming to reduce the use of high-GWP refrigerants. R1234yf is approved as a substitute for R134a and is widely adopted by automobile manufacturers.

Outlook for R1234yf Refrigerant

The complete phase-out of specific chlorofluorocarbons that destroy the ozone layer has already been decided, and the use of R134a and similar substances will also be restricted due to their high greenhouse effects. As new types of refrigerants like R1234yf become mainstream alternatives, the number of compatible devices should increase, and costs are expected to decrease. It is anticipated that R1234yf will become even more widespread in the future.