Then, can I use 134a in a 1234yf system?
We have received some questions about putting R-134a into HFO-1234yf system and here's why you should not do that from EPA.
Similarly, are R-134a and R1234yf fittings the same? R134a and R1234yf are similar, however, R1234yf was created as a more environmentally friendly replacement to R134a. The biggest difference between the two is that R1234yf is mildly flammable and does require special handling. Diagnosis of the air-conditioning system can be done in the same way as with R134a.
Just so, what happens if you put R-134a in a R1234yf system?
"r1234yf is not nearly as efficient as r134a" is apparently not true, at least from a quick read of a few industry papers just now. If you were to put R1234yf in a system designed for R134a, it looks like you'd end up with about a 10% loss of cooling capacity, but putting R134a into a R1234yf system would be a wash.
Does R1234yf cool as good as R-134a?
The experimental results show that the coefficient of performance (CoP) of R1234yf is 20% lower than R134a with condenser temperature of 40 °C and evaporator temperature of 0 °C. The volumetric efficiency of R1234yf is 5% lower than R134a with condenser temperature of 40 °C and evaporator temperature of −1.5 °C.