World News

Industry news and insights from Europe and around the World

UK News

Latest news and developments in the United Kingdom

Products

Keep up-to-date with the latest new products and technology

Features

General articles, applications and industry analysis

Koura launches R1234yf car AC drop-in

UK: Koura has announced the UK and European launch of its R444A refrigerant, as a direct replacement for R1234yf in automotive aftermarket applications.

Branded Klea Edge 444A, the new refrigerant is being promoted as a more economical alternative to R1234yf, while at the same time delivering increased vehicle performance.

According to Koura, third-party lab tests have confirmed that R444A pulls down cabin temperature up to four minutes faster than yf. In addition, its higher energy efficiency can enable internal combustion engine vehicles to see improved fuel economy, it is claimed, while electric vehicles may experience extended range.

A blend of R1234ze(E), R32 and R152a (83%/12%/5%), R444A has a GWP of 92 under AR4.

The new refrigerant is said to be compatible with R1234yf and its components and, as a direct replacement, service centres can use the same equipment, gauges and tools. It has been approved by AC charge station manufacturer TEXA  and other manufacturer approvals are said to be in progress.

“With increasing environmental regulations in the EU and UK for refrigerants, we’re committed to leading the industry with solutions that lower the environmental impact significantly without compromising on performance,” said Michael Mukai, Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials’ global market management director, refrigerants.

Related stories:


Koura announces R1234yf car AC replacement31 October 2023
USA: Refrigerant manufacturer Koura is to introduce a refrigerant it developed more than 10 years ago as a new, direct replacement for R1234yf in the US automotive aftermarket. Read more…

Koura’s new lower GWP option for existing R134a MAC systems – 10 January 2022
USA: Refrigerant manufacturer Koura has unveiled its new lower GWP refrigerant alternative to R134a in existing automotive air conditioning systems in the UK and Europe. Read more…

Koura targets CO2 with new refrigerant – 22 February 2021
UK: Koura claims that a new alternative to CO2 could provide greater efficiencies and lower operating pressures in mobile air conditioning systems and domestic heat pumps. Read more…

New blend could offer alternative to 1234yf – 24 July 2013
USA: A new refrigerant blend based around HFO1234ze could be a viable, less flammable alternative to 1234yf in car air conditioning systems. Read more…

Latest News

20th June 2026

Year-long trial proves electric TRU reliability

UK: Following a year-long trial of Sunswap’s Endurance solar and battery-powered transport refrigeration unit by the TIP Group, the trailer and truck hire company has recorded a 100% uptime.
19th June 2026

Daikin Applied builds new $30m US training centre

USA: Daikin Applied has broken ground on a new $30m training facility in Plymouth, Minnesota.
19th June 2026

Lennox to acquire HVAC supplier Heat Controller

USA: Lennox has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Heat Controller, the Michigan-based owner of the Comfort-Aire and Century HVAC brands.
19th June 2026

Solstice enables A-Gas to reclaim HFO/HFC blends

EUROPE: Solstice has signed an agreement enabling the lifecycle refrigerant management company A-Gas to recover and reclaim its R404A/R507 replacement blends.
18th June 2026

Nordic Climate buys K4S

UK: Following its acquisition of long-established UK contractor Lightfoot International, the Swedish Nordic Climate Group has now announced the purchase of south-west-based K4 Services.
18th June 2026

The heat is on for WorldSkills competitors

UK: This year’s RACHP WorldSkills UK competition for apprentices will see 18 competitors battling it out at next week’s InstallerShow at the NEC, Birmingham.