R134a can be used to do the same thing, no problem. There are lots of manufactured units that use it, especially in systems with high delta t between sides. GE makes the geospring hpwh, and automakers have been using it in millions of autos and mobile refrigerators since R12 was phased out in the 80's. If it didn't work well, the majors would have used something else that did.
The big main difference between R134a and propane or R22 is the oil. R134a uses synthetic oil. It doesn't like water either. Then again, it is low flammability and lower pressure gas. There are literally millions of spare parts in auto salvage yards everywhere, as well as in scrap yards, in all imaginable capacities and shapes. Almost as common as old R22 stuff.
R134a isn't very expensive as far as refrigerant goes. It can also be bought without an EPA license. I found the generic cans at big lots a year or two ago for like 6 bucks a can. The super frosty freeze stuff is just plain refrigerant spiked with a little butane or isobutane to lower the vapor pressure somewhat.
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