Refrigerant change is on the horizon

A new refrigerant option for R-1234yf, known as R-444A, is now available for automotive professional use. R-444A has been thoroughly vetted for over a decade and is under consideration for first fill by leading vehicle manufacturers worldwide. As an economical refrigerant option for R-1234yf for aftermarket vehicle service providers, R-444A provides a boost to A/C system cooling performance and is more energy efficient.

Why should R-444A be considered over R-1234yf?

There are four primary reasons for this:

1. Performance: R-444A will cool a vehicle up to four minutes faster than R123yf*.
2. Energy efficiency: R-444A consumes less energy during a typical driving cycle, offering an advantage to improve a vehicle’s fuel (ICE) or battery (EV) range.
3. Cost: R-1234yf is both more expensive to produce and under patent protection. Both drive prices higher. In contrast, R-444A is made from common and “public domain” refrigerants for **lower relative cost.
4. Reliability: R-444A has no known conditions under which it can polymerize. It has also been fully tested for compatibility with system components and oils.

Amid the evolving landscape of vehicle thermal management systems and of regulatory pressure it is worth noting that R-444A meets the low GWP100 <150 requirement with a CO2 equivalence of 93. In terms of PFAS (poly-fluoroalkyl substances), R-444A breaks down into substantially less TFA (trifluoroacetic acid) than R-1234yf during decomposition, making it an environmentally safe choice. ***

What is R-444a?

R-444A combines R-1234ze (83 percent), R-152a (5 percent), and R32 (12 percent) to create an azeotropic blend with a 7K glide. Glide is the difference between the lowest and highest refrigerant component boiling points. R-1234ze is the base contributing to its low GWP, while R-32 packs a performance punch and enhances the capacity that drives its excellent cooling performance.

What new tools/equipment are needed to service R-444A?

Initially, R-444A will be used to retrofit, or change over vehicles from R-1234yf during a normal A/C service event. Any R-1234yf machine, or a certified recovery machine, will be used to remove the R-1234yf. Standard tools like gauges, vacuum pumps and scales can be used to recharge the system. Recovery/recycling equipment for R-444A will also be available to those who prefer the convenience and precision this equipment offers. 

As OEMs adopt R-444A as a first fill refrigerant, new OEM approved recovery, recycling and recharging service equipment will become readily available.

How do I retrofit an R-1234yf vehicle to R-444A?

1. Using certified Refrigerant Recovery device for the refrigerant to be replaced, remove the refrigerant from the vehicle per proper device operation. Note the amount of oil removed.
2. Change the low and high side service fittings to those designed for R-444A.
3. Place a label indicating that R-444A refrigerant has been installed.
4. Complete any needed system repairs.
5. Add specified oil based upon amount removed during recovery, or as prescribed by the refrigerant manufacturer. R-444A uses the same oils as R-1234yf. 

8. Using the same equipment charge vehicle with new refrigerant by weight, set charging scale to the R-1234yf weight indicated on the vehicle’s J639 label or as directed by OEM service information. Charge from a virgin R-444A cylinder or can in liquid state (upside down, or from tank liquid port).

Whether addressing mechanical issues or providing recharge services, R-444A offers several advantages over R-1234yf. These include enhanced A/C system performance, lower energy consumption (resulting in improved range or fuel efficiency), and reduced overall costs; all of which are benefits highly valued by customers.

*Independent test lab data shows an improvement in pull down times

**Based on market conditions as of September 2024

***R-444A produces 2+/-2 percent TFA vs. 100 percent for R-1234yf