Alternative Refrigerants EPA’s Ozone Layer Protection Website New Climate-Friendly HFO-1234yf (R-1234yf) http://www.epa.gov/ozone/strathome.html HFO‑1234yf is a refrigerant being introduced Motor Vehicle Air by many automobile manufacturers. There are cars on the road today using this alternative. Learn More about CAA Section 609 Conditioning Refrigerants HFO‑1234yf is mildly flammable, but can be used safely. and How to Become 609 Certified http://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/609/

Carbon Dioxide (CO², R-744) CO² is a high pressure refrigerant being considered by automobile manufacturers. EPA’s SNAP Program http://www.epa.gov/ozone/snap/ CO² systems operate at 5 to 10 times higher pressure than other MVAC systems.

HFC-152a (R-152a) HFC-152a is a refrigerant that may be pursued in the future. HFC-152a is flammable, but can be used safely.

Environmental Impacts of MVAC Refrigerants

Global Warming Refrigerant Potential (GWP) Ozone Depleting? CFC-12 10,900 Yes HFC-134a 1,430 No HFC-152a 124 No HFO-1234yf 4 No

CO² (R-744) 1 No 430-F-13-041 *GWP values are from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change September 2013 Fourth Assessment Report: Climate Change 2007

Disclaimer: EPA does not endorse any particular company or its products. Protecting the Ozone Layer Clean Air Act Requirements MVAC Servicing Best Practices and Climate System AS REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW SERVICING TIPS In the past your car was cooled by • MVAC systems may only be serviced for consideration • Locate and repair leaks before topping off a system. chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-12, a substance (payment or bartering) by technicians trained and Failing to repair leaks may result in MVAC system that destroys the stratospheric ozone layer certified under CAA Section 609. damage or failure. that shields the Earth from the sun’s harmful • Do not add more refrigerant than necessary. This ultraviolet radiation. Automobile manufacturers • It is illegal for any person to knowingly release or vent can cause system damage and decrease system transitioned to the non-ozone depleting alternative refrigerants (except CO ) during service, maintenance, ² performance. hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)-134a in the mid-1990s. repair and disposal. Such actions pose a risk to human HFC-134a, like its predecessor, is a potent health and the environment. • Never mix refrigerants or use a refrigerant not greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. • Technicians must use certified service equipment intended for an MVAC system. Mixing refrigerants, Today, automobile manufacturers are beginning even accidentally, can lead to higher than expected the transition to new, climate-friendly alternative designed for recovery only or recovery, recycling and recharging of MVACs. system pressures, component and system damage, refrigerants. diagnostic errors and hazards to human health and the environment. Section 609 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) establishes • MVAC systems, service equipment and containers have unique fittings for each refrigerant to prevent the requirements to prevent the release of refrigerant • Beware of contaminated refrigerants. Consider during the servicing of motor vehicle air dangerous mixing of refrigerants. An adapter should not be used to convert a fitting. purchasing certified refrigerant identification conditioning (MVAC) systems through proper equipment. servicing procedures. • Refrigerant must be properly recycled before recharging it into an MVAC system. • Read and comply with all specifications on refrigerant Transitioning to Alternative containers, vehicle manufacturers’ manuals, and Refrigerants • Hydrocarbons are not approved for use in MVAC systems. lubricants. SAMPLE LABELS LOCATED UNDER VEHICLE HOOD • Do not replace system components with salvaged EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) HFO-1234yf parts, or parts from a system meant for another Program ensures the smooth transition to refrigerant. alternatives that pose lower overall risk to human Use Caution Refrigerant Type Flammable Requires Certification health and the environment. Under SNAP, EPA recently listed three low global warming potential MAKE SAFETY A PRIORITY (GWP) MVAC refrigerants as acceptable subject Lubricant Total • Review and practice safety procedures and use to use conditions: hydrofluoroolefin (HFO)-1234yf, Type Charge carbon dioxide, and HFC‑152a. None of these Amount protective equipment. alternatives deplete the ozone layer and all have Relevant • When servicing MVACs, particularly systems with significantly lower impacts to the climate system Standards HFO-1234yf and HFC-152a, avoid sparks or flames in than CFC-12 or HFC‑134a. the work area. CO In the United States and globally, many automobile ² Use Caution Refrigerant Type Requires Certification • Wear safety glasses and insulated gloves, and avoid manufacturers are transitioning to these low GWP direct contact of refrigerant with skin. alternatives. It is important for both consumers and technicians to be aware of these alternative • Work in a well-ventilated area. Acute exposure to any refrigerants, their properties, and proper servicing Lubricant Total refrigerant can lead to harm to your personal safety procedures. Type Charge Amount and health, including asphyxiation. Relevant Standards Copyright © SAE International. Reprinted with permission.