Freebies and Free Stuff: WHAT EVERY DIYER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT NEW R-134A REPLACEMENT REFRIGERANT

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The latest EPA rule states that auto makers must discontinue using R-134a in new vehicles built in the US for model year 2021, and 2025 for exports. Today, most US auto makers have decided to use R-1234yf in their vehicles to meet strict EPA emission standards.

Existing vehicles using R-134a will not be impacted and R-134a will continue to be produced for servicing older systems, however be prepared for price increases and a gradual phase-down in production.

Keep your eyes peeled for new R-134a replacement blends in many US automotive stores and warehouses. They are causing lots of confusion among DIYers who are concerned about contaminating their systems and expensive repair bills.

Buyers beware!

R-134a is not the same as new R-134a replacement blend. R-134a is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant gas and is not flammable. However, R-134a replacement blend (isobutane/propane - also known as liquefied petroleum gas or LPG) is a hydrocarbon (HC) gas that is extremely flammable. R-134a replacement is legal for use only in R-134a systems under EPA regulations.

Watch this video by Repair Geek to help understand DIYers frustration with this new replacement refrigerant...

It is important to avoid mixing R-134a replacement with the genuine R-134a.

For example -

ZeroR is an EPA approved replacement sold on Amazon that contains natural gas and is environmentally friendly. Regardless of claims, the Clean Air Act prohibits releasing refrigerants into the atmosphere. Doing so may have legal repercussions and is therefore not advised. See documentation -

https://diyparts.com/docs/how-to-instructions/installation-instructions-zeror-ac-kits/

Use Safety Data Sheets (SDS) by EPA, OSHA and DOT to Identify R-134a Refrigerant and Replacement Blends...

Go to "Google" - look-up "refrigerant/companyname" + "safety data sheet..." See popular examples below:

National Refrigerants, Inc (NRI) - Safety Data Sheet - https://refrigerants.com/wp-content/uploads/SDS-R134a.pdf

Enviro-Safe 134a Replacement with Dye 6 oz - Safety Data Sheet - https://www.es-refrigerants.com/docs/39352_173.pdf

ZeroR A/C Refrigerant Replacement 6 oz - Safety Data Sheet - https://diyparts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ZeroR-Z134-SDS.pdf

Super Tech R‑134a Refrigerant by Walmart - Branded and supplied by National Refrigerants, Inc – Safety Data Sheet https://refrigerants.com/wp-content/uploads/SDS-R134a.pdf

What would happen if you accidentally mixed R-134a replacement with original R-134a?

Nothing at first!

1. The A/C system would cool as usual, and then performance will drop and cool intermittently.

2. R-134a PAG oil will foam and lose lubrication.

3. Moisture will cause contamination and create acids and sludge deposits.

4. Oil will break-down and lose viscosity and damage rubber seals, leading to refrigerant leaks.

5. Hydrocarbon refrigerant causes PAG oil to become increasingly flammable and creates fire hazards.

Note: Shop may refuse to service your A/C system in order to prevent contaminated oil and refrigerant from mixing with their recovery machines.

Note: Recovery of mixed gas can become expensive and cost several thousand dollars to flush contaminated refrigerant from your system (compressor, orifice tube, drier and others) and properly dispose the mixture.

If your system already contains R-134a and PAG oil:

Do NOT add ZeroR or any other hydrocarbon-based refrigerant.

"Top off" with pure R-134a and compatible PAG oil (PAG 46, 100, or 150 - see vehicle specs).

If you want to switch to ZeroR, you must:
1) Fully evacuate the system
2) Flush all old oil, and
3) Replace PAG oil with compatible synthetic ester oil (POE)

Follow these instructions when using All ZeroR AC Refrigerant Kits -
https://diyparts.com/docs/how-to-instructions/installation-instructions-zeror-ac-kits/

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