Recently started using R-444A in place of R-1234YF. I can tell you from experience that the R-444A definitely does a better job at cooling than the 1234YF. It cools fast, gets colder, is less expensive, and it identifies as R-1234YF lol. Anyone else using this in their shop?
R-444A VS R-1234YF refrigerant
- Thread starter Johnny248
- Start date
Just curios - how much cheaper is R-444A - very roughly. I think that is one of the reasons there moving that way correct? R1234YF is crazy priced.
I've been curious since hearing about it being a drop in replacement for yf that's much cheaper, I'm surprised it cools notably better. Even if it was a tad less performant than yf if it's compatible with the pressures and oil so the compressor lasts the same and is way cheaper I'd use it. If it reduced compressor life even by 10% then no that's more expensive and annoying to deal with so I'd rather use the costlier yf. Was the yf system charged properly for a fair comparison.
But hopefully we all transition to mandated robust r290 systems instead. The gov mandated stricter and better built evaporators with 1234yf and I hope they force automakers to build even better stronger future leak proofed components for r290 so there's way less chance of a repair bill. One of the few things the EPA did right, but even a broken clock is right twice a day. I've handled old evaporators even the oem ones are cheaply made it's impressive they last 10-15 years.
But hopefully we all transition to mandated robust r290 systems instead. The gov mandated stricter and better built evaporators with 1234yf and I hope they force automakers to build even better stronger future leak proofed components for r290 so there's way less chance of a repair bill. One of the few things the EPA did right, but even a broken clock is right twice a day. I've handled old evaporators even the oem ones are cheaply made it's impressive they last 10-15 years.
I hadn't heard of R-444A yet, but am intrigued... I came across this site for R-1234yf recently (While shopping for a jug of R-410A) and its the cheapest I've seen it:
https://refrigerantscenter.com/collections/r-1234yf/products/1234yf-1-case-4cans
https://refrigerantscenter.com/collections/r-1234yf/products/1234yf-1-case-4cans
- Direct R-1234yf replacement: no system modifications required—service technicians can transition instantly using existing recovery and charging equipment.
- Superior cost efficiency: more economical than R-1234yf without compromising performance.
- Rapid cooling response: delivers noticeably faster pulldown times for enhanced passenger comfort, even in extreme conditions.
- Regulation ready: meets current global carbon emission standards and aligns with emerging low-GWP mandates.
- Minimal environmental impact & safety: boasts a fraction of the global warming potential of legacy HFCs and contains negligible TFA formation at the same ASHRAE A2L safety classification as R-1234yf.
- Third-party lab tests are said to have confirmed that R444A pulls down cabin temperature approximately 2°C colder than R1234yf and reaches a comfortable 22°C cabin temperature four minutes faster.
It is enough of a cost savings that makes it worth it for sure.
You say it identifies as 1234yf. I'm guessing the recovery machine won't go haywire if it goes in but I imagine future models will detect 444 and dealers doing warranty work like replacing an engine will not evacuate it and maybe deny your warranty. I'd use it on my escalade but gm extended the powertrain warranty to 10y 150k on it so maybe not until that's out. I wonder if the techs found a way to leave the compressor connected and not have it dangle and damage the lines while replacing the engine to cut book time.
It is compatible with the 1234yf machines. The identifier doesn't know the difference. That seems like a lot of extra work that someone is going to do just to try to deny a warranty claim.
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