Worldwide the sales of cars using R1234yf refrigerant has steadily increased to more than 44 million. Whilst the UK has seen a small decline in cars registered year on year, the SMMT reports that 2.5 million cars were registered in the UK in 2017, all of which will now be using R1234yf, an increase from 1 million in 2016.

From January 2017, the European MAC Directive dictated that all new vehicles sold have to use a refrigerant gas for air conditioning systems with a GWP value below 150. GWP, or Global Warming Potential, is a measurement used to measure the potential impact of the gas if it is released to the atmosphere. The directive aims to limit emissions of certain greenhouse gases from car air conditioning and reduce their impact on climate change.
There is one refrigerant, R-1234yf, on the market now that meets this requirement and from the 1 January 2017, every single new car coming off the production line will be using it.
R-1234yf has undergone comprehensive testing, involving 15 international car manufacturers and 18 independent scientific institutions.
About 600 grams of refrigerant are contained in modern air conditioning equipment. All 2.54 million registered in 2017 alone will be using R-1234yf refrigerant and over the longer term will each have requirements for refills during the automotive cycle. Whilst many older vehicles will still be using refrigerant R-134a in their air conditioning, the aftermarket needs to be ready for the increase in demand for R-1234yf.
Climalife is a key player in the distribution of refrigerants and other climate control products with a nationwide distribution network and product knowledge that’s second to none. Climalife has R-1234yf readily available in 5kg or 11kg cylinders and continue to supply R134a. With the need for R-134a and R-1234yf, it’s important that the aftermarket has both products in stock and the right equipment to handle them.