R1234yf Auto Retrofits

[Tim]

R1234yf auto retrofits

[tbirdtbird]

Thanks, Tim

[Q451990]

This makes me want to hoard more 134a.

[JohnHere]

For additional information on this topic, go to the MACS (Mobile Air Climate Systems Association) website and enter into the search box, "R-1234yf retrofit" (without the quotes). The MACS Staff and Membership posted the referenced news item on October 2. Chemours apparently talks in terms of global retrofitting, while Honeywell discusses retrofitting specifically for the European (EU) market.

[TheGoldenCheetah]

I read that 134A is to be discontinued in new applications starting in 2025 in the US. Anyone have any thoughts on if it will start to become difficult to get 134A - like what happened to R12? I actually finally had my 1990's vehicle's R12 system swapped out for a 134A system three summers ago. As usual I'm a day late and a buck short to changing technologies, haha. Just wondering if I should store some 134A for my vehicle and my wife's 2015? Thank you.

[JohnHere]

Currently, R-134a is still readily available, although it's a lot more expensive when compared to just two or three years ago. If you plan to hold onto your cars and keep them R-134a, purchasing some refrigerant now while you still can might be a good idea, especially if you don't want to get involved with possible conversions to R-1234yf, which is even more expensive.

Some vendors will sell home mechanics more than two pounds of refrigerant at a time without being EPA certified, as long as you sign a statement verifying the following:
That the refrigerant you're purchasing is only for the purpose of reselling to, or will be installed by, an EPA certified technician; that you certify you will comply with all applicable local, state, and Federal laws; and that you are legally permitted to purchase, accept delivery of, possess, and resell the cans of refrigerant.

Bear in mind that you must have the knowledge, skills, attitude, and proper tools to service Mobile Vehicle Air Conditioning (MVAC) systems, and that you are well aware of the potential hazards that exist in handling refrigerants. Otherwise, it's best to leave MVAC service work to a professional.

[TheGoldenCheetah]

Currently, R-134a is still readily available, although it's a lot more expensive when compared to just two or three years ago. If you plan to hold onto your cars and keep them R-134a, purchasing some refrigerant now while you still can might be a good idea, especially if you don't want to get involved with possible conversions to R-1234yf, which is even more expensive.

Some vendors will sell home mechanics more than two pounds of refrigerant at a time without being EPA certified, as long as you sign a statement verifying the following:
That the refrigerant you're purchasing is only for the purpose of reselling to, or will be installed by, an EPA certified technician; that you certify you will comply with all applicable local, state, and Federal laws; and that you are legally permitted to purchase, accept delivery of, possess, and resell the cans of refrigerant.

Bear in mind that you must have the knowledge, skills, attitude, and proper tools to service Mobile Vehicle Air Conditioning (MVAC) systems, and that you are well aware of the potential hazards that exist in handling refrigerants. Otherwise, it's best to leave MVAC service work to a professional.

Thanks for that info and wow, I didn't know 134 has been rising in cost, I assumed that would be years away. I'll definitely see about getting some put away. I'll give all your suggestions some thought, too. As far as me working on my cars' AC systems, no worries there, haha. HVAC is something I always leave to the professonals.

[JohnHere]

I paid about $90 for a 30-pound cylinder of "the good stuff," made in the USA, about three to four years ago from my favorite refrigerant vendor. The identical R-134a product from the same vendor in today's market (I just checked a little while ago) is now $270, although shipping is included. But still...