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HFC (single component) · ASHRAE 34 safety group A1

R-134a GWP and CO₂e

1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane. Restricted in new equipment under the F-Gas phase-down, and widely displaced by R-513A and R-1234ze on new chillers. Servicing existing plant continues.

Great Britain

1,430

Retained Regulation (EU) No 517/2014, Annex I (AR4 basis)

EU / Northern Ireland

1,430

Regulation (EU) 2024/573, Annex I (AR4 basis, footnote 2)

The figure is the same in both regimes. Both state their values on an IPCC Fourth Assessment Report basis for this substance, so a number quoted from AR5 or AR6 will not match the one that governs compliance.

Charge in kg → tonnes CO₂e

t CO₂e = charge (kg) × GWP ÷ 1,000. This figure, not the charge in kilograms, is what sets the statutory leak-check frequency.

Charget CO₂e (GB)t CO₂e (EU/NI)
1 kg1.431.43
2 kg2.862.86
5 kg7.157.15
10 kg14.3014.30
20 kg28.6028.60
50 kg71.5071.50
100 kg143.00143.00

Leak-check thresholds in kg

The regulations set the bands in tonnes CO₂e. Converted to a charge of R-134a, the duty starts at these weights.

BandCharge (GB)Charge (EU/NI)Check at leastWith leak detection
≥5 t CO₂e3.50 kg3.50 kgAt least every 12 monthsEvery 24 months
≥50 t CO₂e35.0 kg35.0 kgAt least every 6 monthsEvery 12 months
≥500 t CO₂e350 kg350 kgAt least every 3 monthsEvery 6 months

Automatic leak detection is mandatory at 500 tonnes CO₂e and above. Hermetically sealed equipment labelled as such is exempt below 10 tonnes CO₂e. Records must be kept for at least five years. Sources: retained Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 Articles 4–6, Regulation (EU) 2024/573 Articles 5–7, and GOV.UK guidance on checking F-gas equipment for leaks.

Where you meet R-134a

  • •Large water-cooled centrifugal chillers
  • •Mid-size screw chillers
  • •Medium-temperature commercial refrigeration

Maintenance checklists for plant that runs on it

Chiller maintenance checklistWater-Cooled Chiller maintenance checklistProcess Chiller maintenance checklistCRAC Unit (Computer Room Air Conditioning) maintenance checklist
Work out a specific chargeCompare all 10 refrigerants

Frequently asked questions

What is the GWP of R-134a?
1430, and the same figure applies in Great Britain and in Northern Ireland. The source is Retained Regulation (EU) No 517/2014, Annex I (AR4 basis). Both regimes state their values on an IPCC Fourth Assessment Report basis for these substances, so figures quoted from AR5 or AR6 will differ from the ones that actually govern compliance.
How do I convert an R-134a charge into tonnes CO₂e?
Multiply the charge in kilograms by the GWP and divide by 1,000. A 10 kg charge of R-134a is 14.30 tonnes CO₂e in Great Britain. That figure is what sets the statutory leak-check frequency, not the charge in kilograms.
At what charge does R-134a need leak checks?
The duty starts at 5 tonnes CO₂e, which for R-134a is about 3.50 kg in Great Britain. Six-monthly checks start at 50 tonnes (35.0 kg) and quarterly at 500 tonnes (350 kg), where an automatic leak detection system also becomes mandatory. Fitting leak detection doubles the interval at every band. Hermetically sealed equipment labelled as such is exempt below 10 tonnes CO₂e.
Where is R-134a used?
Large water-cooled centrifugal chillers; Mid-size screw chillers; Medium-temperature commercial refrigeration. Restricted in new equipment under the F-Gas phase-down, and widely displaced by R-513A and R-1234ze on new chillers. Servicing existing plant continues.