R134a vs R1234yf Refrigerant: A Guide for SA Drivers

When you bring your car in for a regas, the type of refrigerant it uses is the single biggest factor in the final cost. There are two main types used in modern vehicles: R134a and R1234yf. Understanding the difference is key.

R134a: The Long-Standing Workhorse

For many years, R134a was the global standard for automotive air conditioning. It is an effective and reliable refrigerant, and because it has been produced for so long, it is relatively inexpensive. The vast majority of cars manufactured before approximately 2017 use R134a.

R1234yf: The Eco-Friendly Successor

As part of global efforts to combat climate change, regulations were introduced to phase out refrigerants with a high Global Warming Potential (GWP). R134a has a GWP of 1,430, meaning it traps 1,430 times more heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. The new standard, R1234yf, has a GWP of less than 1. It is far better for the environment but is more complex and expensive to manufacture, making it a more costly gas.