Azeotropes behave as if they are single entities, having a constant boiling point, different from that of each of the two components. They cannot be separated into the components by distillation. Often when these higher pressures are noted, the exasperated refrigeration mechanic merely vents the troublesome azeotrope to the atmosphere, adding yet more CFC-12 to the environment, eventually to damage the O 3 in the stratosphere. They must incinerate the unfortunate mixture. One final concern for refrigerant systems using HFC-134a is the choice of dessicant to remove traces of water that may be present in the refrigeration equipment.
Water can lead to corrosion and improper compressor performance.
By careful engineering design, it is possible to construct an HFC-134a refrigeration system for the 21st century. Or move on to 16.