HFO-1234yf: the better choice for the aftermarket industry
| HFO-1234yf | CO2 (R744) | |
Ease of leak detection |
Easy, use in same equipment and techniques as today |
Difficult to find leaks; CO2 is present in background air |
| Service equipment and practices | Similar to HFC-134a |
Higher pressures require different equipment and practices |
| Impact of very small leaks | Minor, lower pressure minimizes leak rates |
High pressure of CO2 makes even small leaks a problem |
Impact of charge loss |
Low leak rates and ability to hold reserve charge reduce impact on performance |
Higher leak rates and limit on total charge due to pressure concerns increases impact of charge loss |
Ease of Service |
Flexible hoses make it easy to replace hoses and components |
Stiffer hoses more difficult to work with in crowded engine compartments |
Cost of repair parts |
Similar to HFC-134a |
CO2 components are more expensive than 134a |
| Safety |
Can be used safely with proper practices and training |
Can be used safely with proper practices and training |
| Other |
HFC-1234yf is odorless |
Required CO2 odorant has foul odor that is difficult to remove |