Refrigerant R-134a, a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), is commonly used in automotive air conditioning systems. Equipment designed for this refrigerant, often referred to as “R-134a systems,” includes components like compressors, condensers, evaporators, and expansion valves, all working together to regulate temperature. A typical example would be the air conditioning system found in most vehicles manufactured before the widespread adoption of R-1234yf.
Systems utilizing this refrigerant offered a significant advantage over older systems using R-12, as R-134a has zero ozone depletion potential. This characteristic made it a crucial element in phasing out ozone-damaging refrigerants. For a period, it became the industry standard in mobile air conditioning. The transition to this refrigerant required changes in system components and servicing procedures due to differing chemical properties and operating pressures.
