Prime Prime Refrigerant
R134a is a single component HFC refrigerant (Tetrofluoroethane) commonly used for medium temperature applications such as air conditioning, commercial and domestic refrigeration, and automotive air conditioning. It is non-toxic and non-flammable meeting the highest A1/A1 classification. HFC's are a type of synthetic greenhouse gas (SGG) having global warming potential. To reduce emissions of these gases globally a HFC phase-down under the Montreal Protocol was agreed in Kigali, Rwanda, in October 2016. Commencing in 2018, the Australian phase down will conclude in 2036 reaching an 85% reduction target. Low GWP alternatives like R450A (Solstice N13) and R513A (Opteon XP10) are HFC/HFO blends that can be used to retrofit current R134a systems. Longer term the use of HFO A2L refrigerants such as R1234yf and 1234ze are likely to replace R134a in new equipment. NOTE: GWP calculated on the Australian Government calculator for the Import Levy and Equivalent Price for SGGs and SGG/HCFC blends (Version 1.1, 24 August 2012).
