Genetron® 134a (HFC-134a) has been developed by Honeywell to serve as one of the key substitutes for CFCs and HCFCs. Genetron® 134a is a long-term, environmentally safer, non-ozone depleting substitute. As a refrigerant, it possesses similar energy efficiency and capacity characteristics as Genetron® 12 and has an intrinsically low toxicity. Genetron® 134a is the alternative refrigerant of choice in automobile air-conditioning. It may be used in residential and commercial refrigeration, as well as commercial, and industrial air-conditioning.

Applications
Refrigeration and air-conditioning
In the automotive industry, manufacturers are now using Genetron® 134a in the air-conditioning systems in their new vehicles. Retrofit kits are being developed to permit conversion of existing auto air-conditioning systems from CFC-12 to Genetron® 134a.
Genetron® 134a has been developed for a number of refrigeration applications including supermarket cases, walk-in coolers and home refrigerators. Genetron® 134a is also being used in some centrifugal chillers.
Genetron® 134a is suitable for both new equipment and for retrofitting existing Genetron® 12 commercial refrigeration systems. Generally, there will be few equipment design changes necessary to optimize the performance of Genetron® 134a in these applications. For retrofitting commercial refrigeration systems, refer to Genetron® 134a retrofitting guidelines.

Lubricants
Genetron® 134a is being used with polyalkylene glycol (PAG) and with polyol ester lubricants. Most automotive original equipment manufacturers have chosen specific PAG lubricants for their systems. For non-automotive applications, most compressor manufacturers are recommending specific polyol ester lubricants. Users should check with the equipment manufacturer for the recommended lubricants for their system.