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R134a vs R1234yf: Which One Should You Buy?

R134a and R1234yf are different car refrigerants: this guide explains the difference and lists the R134a gear that fits R134a systems.

GarageToolHQ Editorial
By GarageToolHQ Editorial · 4 min read
R134a vs R1234yf: Which One Should You Buy?
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  1. 1OMT AC Gauge Set for R134aOMT AC Gauge Set for R134a9.7/10View on Amazon
  2. 2OMT AC Manifold Gauge Set with 5ft Hoses for R1234yf R404aOMT AC Manifold Gauge Set with 5ft Hoses for R1234yf R404a9.7/10View on Amazon
  3. 3VIVOHOME A2L 1/4 HP 3.5CFM 1 Stage AC Vacuum Pump andVIVOHOME A2L 1/4 HP 3.5CFM 1 Stage AC Vacuum Pump and9.6/10View on Amazon
  4. 4LICHAMP AC R1234YF R134A Gauge SetLICHAMP AC R1234YF R134A Gauge SetView on Amazon
  5. 5VIVOHOME HVAC Manifold Gauge Set for R134a R1234yf R454BVIVOHOME HVAC Manifold Gauge Set for R134a R1234yf R454BView on Amazon
  6. 6VIVOHOME HVAC Gauges with R134a R1234yf Quick Couplers andVIVOHOME HVAC Gauges with R134a R1234yf Quick Couplers andView on Amazon
  7. 7UV Dye ChargeUV Dye ChargeView on Amazon
  8. 8R134A R12 A/C HVAC Air Conditioner Schrader Valve Stem CoreR134A R12 A/C HVAC Air Conditioner Schrader Valve Stem CoreView on Amazon
  9. 9ZeroR® Permafrost for R1234YF AC SystemsZeroR® Permafrost for R1234YF AC SystemsView on Amazon

R134a vs r1234yf: they are different car refrigerants, and they are not interchangeable. The gear in this guide covers R134a use, and the ZeroR listings state their cans are approved for use in R134a systems only, without mixing refrigerant types. Check the vehicle label and manual for which refrigerant the system takes before buying any gear.

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Below: what separates the two refrigerants, the R134a gear in this guide, and the safety and legal notes that come with it.

R134a vs r1234yf: the difference

R134a and R1234yf are two different refrigerants for car air conditioning, and the listings in this guide cover R134a gear only. No R1234yf product is included here, so nothing in this guide describes R1234yf gear, its fittings or its pressures. The ZeroR listings state their cans are approved for use in R134a systems only, in compliance with EPA regulations, and warn against mixing refrigerant types. That approval is the practical line for those cans: ZeroR cans belong on R134a systems only, and a system built for a different refrigerant needs gear made for that refrigerant. The gohantee hose kit is wider in scope, since its listing also fits R12 and R22.

The R134a gear in this guide

The four products below cover R134a use, listed from the most capable set to the most limited. None is stated for R1234yf.

Gear What it is Stated specs
gohantee recharge hose kit Recharge hose with gauge and self-sealing can tap 51 inch hose, 200 PSI gauge, fits R134A, R12 and R22
ZeroR 3-can replacement Hydrocarbon refrigerant cans for R134a systems 3 cans at 6oz each, R134a-compatible threads, class 2.1 rating
A/C Pro gauge and hose Recharge gauge and hose dispenser 24 inch hose, extra-large gauge, push-on quick-connect coupler
ZeroR SSV recharge kit Hydrocarbon refrigerant cans with charging hose tool 3 cans at 6oz each, self-sealing valve, NON MVAC use stated

gohantee recharge hose kit. A 51 inch charging hose kit with a gauge, a self-sealing can tap and an R134A low-side quick couple. The listing states the tap is a self-sealing type, not a puncture type, and the kit fits R134A, R12 and R22 refrigerant. The gauge reads up to 200 PSI, shows temperatures in degrees Celsius, and shows pressure in kg/cm2 and psi. The hose is copper and rubber, and the self-sealing tap and low-pressure quick connector are removable.

ZeroR 3-can replacement. Three cans of 100% natural hydrocarbon gas for R134a systems, each can holding 6oz. The listing states each 6oz can performs like 16oz of R134a, and the cans use R134a-compatible threads for standard R134a can taps. It also states a class 2.1 rating and EPA compliance, with approval for use in R134a systems only.

A/C Pro gauge and hose. A recharge gauge and hose dispenser with an extra-large gauge, a 24 inch hose, a push-on quick-connect coupler and a trigger dispenser. The listing states it is compatible with sealed and self-sealing cans of R-134a refrigerant, with refrigerant not included. One wrinkle: the spec table lists an unrelated primary purpose about odors and vents, against the gauge and hose dispenser in the title and bullets, so the title and bullets are trusted here.

ZeroR SSV recharge kit. Three 6oz cans of hydrocarbon blend refrigerant with a 24 inch charging hose tool for self-sealing valve cans. The listing states the cans use a self-sealing valve, require an SSV-compatible tool, and warn against piercing style tools. It also states the product is flammable like many other modern refrigerants, and that it is for NON MVAC use, despite the AC recharge title.

Refrigerant work carries safety and legal notes that the listings state plainly. The ZeroR SSV listing discloses that its hydrocarbon blend is flammable and tells users to observe all precautions on the product label and to follow all legal requirements when charging a system. The ZeroR 3-can listing states EPA compliance and approval for R134a systems only. The gohantee listing tells users to install the tap and connector by hand and check that the connection is tight to avoid leakage. Check the vehicle manual and local rules before any refrigerant work, and never mix refrigerant types.

Garage safety

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FAQ: garage tools

Can I use R134a gear on an R1234yf system?

No. The gear here covers R134a use, and the ZeroR cans are approved for R134a systems only. Mixing refrigerant types is a risk the ZeroR listing warns against.

What is ZeroR refrigerant?

A 100% natural hydrocarbon gas replacement for R134a systems, in 6oz cans with R134a-compatible threads. The listing states it is approved for use in R134a systems only.

How much refrigerant is in a ZeroR can?

Each can holds 6oz, and the listing states each can performs like 16oz of R134a. The 3-can packs hold three 6oz cans.

What hose do I need for R134a cans?

The A/C Pro dispenser has a 24 inch hose for sealed and self-sealing R-134a cans, and the gohantee kit has a 51 inch hose with a self-sealing can tap, not a puncture type. Both include a quick-connect coupler.

Is the ZeroR SSV kit for cars?

The SSV kit listing states NON MVAC use, despite the AC recharge title, and requires an SSV-compatible tool. Piercing style tools are warned against for these cans.

What pressure does the gohantee gauge read?

The gauge reads up to 200 PSI, with R-134a temperature on the blue scale and pressure in kg/cm2 and psi. The red circle shows R-12 and R-22 temperatures.

Related: the diagnostics and electrical hub, the best AC refrigerant, the best auto AC recharge kit, and the AC recharge kit vs recovery machine comparison.

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