Refrigerants are one of those rare things that we use constantly, but the average consumer often has no idea which refrigerants they are currently encountering on a daily basis. For most of us, Freon — referred to in scientific terms as R-22 — may be the only refrigerant we’ve ever heard discussed. However, this is an incredibly dated technology that some may even use to refer to current refrigerants that aren’t really Freon. When people run out of refrigerant for their car’s air-conditioning system, you will often hear them say that they need to get more Freon. However, most cars have been upgraded to other refrigerants since the early 1990s. With all the misuse of terminology, it can be easy to become bogged down by the concept of refrigerants. It’s time to cut through all the cloudiness and narrow down the distinct differences between Freon, R410a, and R454b.
Freon: The Miracle of the 1930s
You may be surprised to learn that air conditioners first started coming into vogue almost 100 years ago. At the time — when America was plunged into the depths of the Depression — cooler movie theaters and restaurants were providing a welcome respite from scorching hot summer days. This, of course, was all because of Freon. It’s important to note that Freon is actually a brand name that is often used to refer to refrigerants of the hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) and chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) variety. Of course, many of us have heard the term CFCs used in connection with air pollution and destruction of the ozone layer. But when people talk about Freon, they are usually referencing R-22, which is an HCFC. With all of its success, R-22 was the refrigerant of choice for many decades. Providing people with a safe and consistent way to keep cool, it was truly a remarkable innovation.
Nowadays, though, there are newer refrigerants that adhere more closely to modern environmental guidelines. R-22 contains chlorine, which is often cited as a risk factor in studies about the shrinking ozone layer. With the current rating systems of GWP (Global Warming Potential) and ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential), R-22 does not fare well. In fact, it has been banned in the U.S. for about four years now.
R410a: Next-Gen Replacement for R-22 With Its Heyday in the Early 2000s
Although R-22 did reign supreme for many decades, it was only a matter of time before another refrigerant took center stage. After the public concern about CFCs starting back in the 1980s, consumers craved options. R410A, which is an HFC (hydrofluorocarbon), quickly took over as the most popular refrigerant of the early aughts. The main selling point for R410a was that it did not feature chlorine as part of its chemical makeup, which made it a much more attractive option to those concerned about the environment.
Now that we have a more nuanced idea of how refrigerants fit into the whole environmental scheme — and we have the new GWP scale — R410a is not as attractive an option as it was when it first arrived on the market. Although it does not contain the chlorine that so many found objectionable, its GWP score hovers at over a whopping 2,000. In laymen’s terms, this means that R410a is about 2,000 more times powerful than CO2 when it comes to the refrigerant’s potential to raise the globe’s temperature. This was alarming to many researchers, and it’s one of the reasons why this refrigerant is either being banned or restricted in the following areas: New Zealand, Australia, North America, and Europe.
R454B: The Wave of the Future
R454B is an HFO (hydrofluoroolefin) and is technically a mix of two refrigerants — R-1234yf and R-32. With a GWP under 500, it’s no surprise that R454B has caught on with those who want to take part in environmental progress. It also boasts better efficiency than its refrigerant predecessors. Because it is not compatible with R-22, though, R454B may necessitate complete overhauls of air-conditioning systems when being installed.
What Refrigerant Are You Using in Your Home or Business?
With so many changes afoot in the HVAC industry, it’s probably a great time to chat with one of our professionals at One Hour. Providing you with up-to-date information about the state of the industry, we can help make sure that you are staying up to speed with current codes and regulations. In a sector that is constantly advancing, it’s great to connect with technicians who have your best interests at heart.