R134a is a universally used refrigerant introduced in the early nineties within vehicle AC systems. It is important to recognise that this refrigerant has replaced the “Freon”R12 which was banned by the Montreal protocol along with other CFC refrigerants, due to their damaging effects on the ozone layer.

Following the 2006/40/CE directive which has been acknowledged by all the member states, the European Commission has decided to gradually ban the use of the current R134a refrigerant within mobile AC system in vehicles under 3.5 tons.

It is understood that, although this refrigerant does not affect the ozone layer, it does contribute to the global warming problem known as the greenhouse effect. The R134a refrigerant used on vehicles with an engine which is less than 3.5 tons must be replaced by an alternative refrigerant with GWP (Greenhouse Warming Potential) less than 150.

From 1st January 2011, this directive will be applied to any newly type approved vehicles. Whereas, from 1st January 2017 it will apply to all newly manufactured vehicles.

The new refrigerant which has been introduced for AC systems within the new type approved vehicles will be the R1234yf from 2011.

Over the next few years, workshops will need at least two different recharge stations. One will be used to carry out a service with the current refrigerant (R134a) and the other for the new refrigerant (R1234yf). Otherwise a station which is able to deal with both refrigerants simultaneously must be used.

The full range of new KONFORT 700R series may be purchased now with no difference in price for either the R134a or the R1234yf refrigerant (with the exception of the 780R BI-GAS which is top of the range and able to work both refrigerants simultaneously).

For those who initially purchase a machine for the R134a refrigerant, will have the option to convert their KONFORT 700R to use the new R1234yf refrigerant by purchasing the R134a -R1234yf refrigerant retrofit Kit supplied as an option.