Length of time before ITS A/C blows cold air?

[E-Rod]

You're right, the hydrofluorinated alkanes (HFAs), like 134a, that replaced ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons in the early 90s have now been identified as having a high global warming potential. As a result, the HFAs are being replaced with low global warming potential refrigerants like HFO-1234yf. And, they're indeed expensive.

Ironically though, 1234yf is flammable whereas r12 and r134a are not.

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[tallboi]

Ironically though, 1234yf is flammable whereas r12 and r134a are not.

Yes, but 1234 is only flammable above ~ 30C and a certain relative humidity. The other low GWP refrigerant/propellant being used is HFA-152a. 152a is flammable under all conditions. That said, 152a has been used safely for years in consumer aerosol products.