Refrigerant is a substance used in air conditioning and refrigeration. Refrigerant comes in liquid or gas form. Refrigerants have ability to absorb heat from one place and release on other place. Air conditions are able to transfer heat from one place to another with the help of this refrigerant.
When refrigerant absorbs heat it convert itself from liquid to gas and when it releases heat, it converts back into gas.
Selecting the appropriate refrigerant for your air conditioner is a critical decision that directly impacts the unit’s efficiency, environmental impact, and long-term performance. In this article, we will dive into the characteristics of various refrigerants that will help you make an informed decision when choosing the best one for your AC system.
What are Different Types of Refrigerant used in Air Conditioners
Here is list of some common type of AC Refrigerants:
1. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
CFCs were once the most commonly used refrigerants, but they damage the ozone layer, that’s why they have been banned nowadays in most developed countries.
Some common CFCs are:
- R-11 (Trichlorofluoromethane)
- R-12 (Dichlorodifluoromethane)
- R-113 (1,1,2-Trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane)
2. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)
HCFCs are less harmful to the ozone layer compared to CFCs, but they are still being phased out in many countries.
Some common HCFCs are:
- R-22 (Chlorodifluoromethane)
- R-123 (2,2-Dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane)
- R-124 (2-Chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane)
3. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
HFCs do not harm the ozone layer and they are the most commonly used type of refrigerant these days, but they are still greenhouse gases.
Here are some HFCs:
- R-134a (1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane)
- R-404A (Blend of R-125, R-134a, R-143a, and R-125)
- R-410A (Blend of R-32 and R-125)
4. Natural refrigerants
Natural refrigerants are refrigerants that are found naturally such as carbon dioxide and ammonia. They are generally less harmful to the environment compared to synthetic refrigerants, but they can be toxic or flammable.
Here are some common natural refrigerants:
- Ammonia (R-717)
- Carbon dioxide (R-744)
- Propane (R-290)
- Isobutane (R-600a)
Which Refrigerant is Mostly Used in Air Conditioners in India in 2024
Previously R22 was the primary refrigerant for Air conditioners in India, but due to its high Global Warming Potential (GWP) Indian government has completely banned its production and use in 2023 onwards.
Currently the primary refrigerant used in Air conditioner in India is R32, with some remaining presence of R-410A.
R-410A is still being used. Complete shift over R32 might take some time due to existing R-410A infrastructure and market adjustments. Until that you may see availability of both R-32 and R-410A ACs might exist in the Indian market.
What are Advantage of R32 Refrigerant Over R-410A
R32 is the most likely refrigerant due to following properties:
- Slightly better energy efficient that R-410A
- Lower Global Warming Potential than R-410A
- Lower flammability as compared to other refrigerants
- Easier to reclaim and recycle due to single component composition
Image Source: Daikin.com
Now a days newer Air conditioner models with R32 refrigerant are gaining popularity in India. It is considered as more environment friendly option and offers improved energy efficiency over other refrigerants. However, due to its flammable nature it is essential to handle R-32 with care.
Conclusion
Choosing the right refrigerant for your air conditioner involves balancing factors such as environmental impact, energy efficiency, and safety. If you care about environment, you should always check the refrigerant type before purchasing an AC.