New Air Conditioning Refrigerants

Ok People, Here we go again. In the early 90’s we had r-12 and
then came the Montreal Protocol and got rid of it. Then in the mid 90’s came
r-134A and that was good for a while and now with more environmental concerns,
now we need to replace it because of Global Warming. Due to the fact that we
now have what is called (Gwp) or Global Warming Potential ratings.We now need to go lower on the scale to comply with all that. R-134A carries a potential of 1300 and is considered to be too high.

So along comes HFO-1234yf (hydrofluoroolefin ) say that three times real fast, with
a GWP of 4. Wow what a difference? Now there is a possibility of R-744 or
(Carbon Dioxide or Co2) with a GWP of 1. Now the problem with R-744 the
pressures are considerably higher (1920PSI or 133 bar) which needs specialized
equipment and special training to be a viable alternative. So as they say on Family
Feud “Survey Says” HFO-1234yf wins out over the R-744 because the pressures are
similar to r-134A. Later in 2012 Cadillac XTS will be the first to be equipped
with the new refrigerant (other manufactures will follow) provided they all meet
EPA guidelines. The containers for HFO-1234yf will be White with a red band
around it. Unfortunately the containers will be smaller than the 30 pound ones
we are used to. OK, all that being said, you poor guys in the field will have
to anty up for new equipment and tools to match, since the standard systems
will not be able to re-trofit and new fittings are going to be installed just
like they did with r-12 and r-134A back then.
The ASE Section 609 Program will have to be updated for recovery and
recycling protocols as well. So now that we know all this we will all just have
to wait and see what happens and hope the cost will be down to the Businesses
and the consumers. Happy Motoring!!!!