Refrigerants power modern cooling systems. This guide explains the main types of refrigerants, including refrigerant GWP (Global Warming Potential), uses, safety, and environmental impact.
Types of Refrigerants
Refrigerants are chemicals that absorb and release heat in cooling systems such as refrigerators, air conditioners, heat pumps, chillers, and commercial freezers. The main types of refrigerants include hydrocarbons (HCs), inorganic refrigerants, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), HFC blends, and HFO/HFC blends.
Each type has different cooling performance, safety classifications, ozone depletion potential (ODP), global warming potential (GWP), and regulatory status.
Hydrocarbon (HC)
Hydrocarbons (HCs) are natural organic compounds made entirely of hydrogen and carbon. In the refrigeration industry, hydrocarbon refrigerants are valued for their excellent thermodynamic efficiency, low global warming potential (GWP), and zero ozone depletion potential (ODP).
They are considered among the most environmentally sustainable refrigerant options available today, especially for systems designed to handle flammable refrigerants safely.
Although hydrocarbons have low toxicity, they are usually classified as A3 refrigerants, meaning they are highly flammable and require proper charge limits, ventilation, leak prevention, and safe servicing procedures.
1. R1150 (Ethylene)
R1150, also known as ethylene or ethene, is an unsaturated hydrocarbon refrigerant used in very-low-temperature and industrial cascade refrigeration systems. It was first synthesized in 1794 by Dutch researchers and was a pioneering gas used in the late 19th century for the liquefaction of air.
| Chemical Formula | C2H4 |
| Chemical Profile | Unsaturated hydrocarbon with a carbon-carbon double bond |
| Boiling Point | -103.7°C |
| ODP | 0 |
| GWP | 3.7 |
| Safety Class | A3 – lower toxicity, highly flammable |
| Current Status | Active, for specialized low-temperature systems |
Common Applications
- Very-low-temperature refrigeration
- Industrial cascade systems
- Laboratory freezers
- Freeze-drying systems
- Cold traps
- LNG-related cooling processes
- Deep-freeze chemical processing
Benefits
- Works well in extremely cold systems
- Helps reach very low temperatures needed for industrial and laboratory cooling
- Has zero ODP and low GWP
Disadvantage
- Highly flammable
- Needs good airflow and leak protection
- Must be handled by people who know how to work with flammable refrigerants
- Can react or form solid residue if exposed to extreme heat, high pressure, or certain chemicals
Current Status: Active, but it is mainly used as a specialized low-GWP refrigerant for very-low-temperature and industrial cascade systems.
2. R170 (Ethane)
R170, also known as ethane, is a hydrocarbon refrigerant used in ultra-low-temperature and cryogenic cooling systems.
| Formula | C2H6 |
| Boiling Point | About -88.6°C |
| ODP | 0 |
| GWP | 5.5 |
| Safety Class | A3 – low toxicity, highly flammable |
| Status | Active in specialized low-temperature systems |
Common Uses
- Ultra-low-temperature refrigeration
- Cascade cooling systems
- Cryogenic storage
- Laboratory freezers
- Medical freezers for vaccines, DNA samples, and blood products
Benefit
- Works well in very cold systems
- Helps freezers reach and maintain deep-freeze temperatures
- Has zero ODP and low GWP
Disadvantage
- Highly flammable
- Needs strong pipes and compressors because it works under high pressure
- Needs good airflow and leak protection
Current Status: Active. It is used in specialized ultra-low-temperature and cryogenic systems as a low-GWP alternative to some high-GWP synthetic refrigerants..
3. R600 (n-Butane)
R600, also known as n-butane, is a hydrocarbon refrigerant used mainly in selected refrigeration systems and refrigerant blends.
| Formula | C4H10 |
| Boiling Point | -0.5°C |
| ODP | 0 |
| GWP | 4 |
| Safety Class | A3 – low toxicity, highly flammable |
| Status | Limited use; mainly used in blends and selected refrigeration systems |
Chemical Profile: n-Butane C4H10 with a boiling point of -0.5°C
Application: It is rarely used alone. It is used as a blending agent to stabilize pressures in mixed refrigerants or for specialized AC in high ambient climates.
Benefit
- Has zero ODP and low GWP
- Works at low operating pressure
- Can reduce stress on some system components
- Useful in selected refrigerant blends
Disadvantage
- Highly flammable
- Not ideal for many low-temperature freezer systems
- May need larger or specially designed system components
Current Status: Active. Secondary / Blending. It is mainly used in refrigerant blends and selected refrigeration applications where its low pressure and low environmental impact are useful.
4. R600A (Isobutane)
R600a, also known as isobutane, is a hydrocarbon refrigerant widely used in household refrigerators and small freezers. It became more popular in the 1990s after the Greenfreeze project helped introduce hydrocarbon-based refrigerators as alternatives to ozone-depleting refrigerants.
| Formula | C4H10 |
| Boiling Point | About -11.7°C |
| ODP | 0 |
| GWP | 3 |
| Safety Class | A3 – low toxicity, highly flammable |
| Status | Active. Widely used in household refrigerators |
Applications
- Household refrigerators
- Small refrigeration appliances
Benefit
- Energy-efficient
- Has zero ODP and low GWP
- Works well in household refrigerators and small freezers
- Can help reduce electricity use and operating noise
Disadvantage
- Highly flammable
- Refrigerant charge must follow approved safety limits
- Needs good leak protection and proper servicing
Current Status: Active. It is one of the most common low-GWP replacements for older refrigerants such as R12 and R134a.
5. R290 (Propane)
R290, also known as propane, is a hydrocarbon refrigerant used in commercial refrigeration, heat pumps, water heaters, and selected air conditioning systems.
| Formula | C3H8 |
| Boiling Point | -42.1°C |
| ODP | 0 |
| GWP | 3 |
| Safety Class | A3 – low toxicity, highly flammable |
| Status | Active. Used in commercial refrigeration, heat pumps, and selected AC systems |
Applications
- Commercial refrigeration
- Heat pumps
- Water heaters
- Small refrigeration units
- Selected residential and light commercial AC systems
Benefit
- Energy-efficient
- Zero ODP and low GWP
- Possesses high heat transfer properties
- Works well in compact cooling systems
Disadvantage
- Highly flammable
- Requires good ventilation and leak protection
- Needs electrical parts that do not easily create sparks.
Current Status: Active. Used in modern refrigeration.
6. R1270 (Propylene)
R1270, also known as propylene, used in selected refrigeration, air conditioning, heat pump, and industrial cooling systems. It is valued for its strong cooling performance and low environmental impact.
| Formula | C3H6 |
| Boiling Point | About -47.7°C |
| ODP | 0 |
| GWP | 1.8 |
| Safety Class | A3 – low toxicity, highly flammable |
| Status | Active. Used in selected refrigeration and industrial cooling systems |
Application
- Industrial refrigeration
- Heat pumps
- Air conditioning systems
- Low- and medium-temperature refrigeration
- Selected systems replacing older refrigerants like R22 or R502
Benefit
- Provides strong cooling in compact systems
- Has zero ODP and very low GWP
- Can help reduce refrigerant charge in some system designs
- Offers good energy performance
Disadvantage: Highly Flammable
Current Status: Active. Used in selected applications and for heavy-duty Industrial cooling loops.
Inorganic
While hydrocarbon refrigerants are popular in many small and commercial systems, inorganic refrigerants play an important role in heavy-duty cooling. These refrigerants occur naturally and have zero ozone depletion potential (ODP). They also have a much lower climate impact than many synthetic refrigerants. However, each one has different safety needs. Ammonia is highly efficient but toxic, while carbon dioxide is non-flammable but operates under very high pressure.
7. R717 Ammonia
R717, also known as Ammonia, is one of the oldest and most widely used refrigerants in the industry. Ammonia has been used as a refrigerant since the 1850s and became important in artificial ice production and industrial refrigeration during the late 1800s.
| Formula | NH3 |
| Boiling Point | -33.3°C |
| ODP | 0 |
| GWP | 0 or near-zero |
| Safety Class | B2L – toxic, lower flammability |
| Status | Widely used in industrial refrigeration |
Application
- Food Processing Plants
- Cold Storage Warehouse
- Industrial Refrigeration System
- Dairies / Breweries
- Ice Plant
Benefits
- Energy Efficient
- Excellent for large cooling systems
- Zero ODP and Near Zero GWP
- Has the highest heat-carrying capacity
Disadvantages
- Toxic if leaked
- B2L / Mildly Flammable
- Not Compatible with copper or brass
- Needs steel piping and proper safety equipment
Current Status: Active and widely used in industrial refrigeration.
8. R744 (Carbon Dioxide)
R744, also known as CO2 or Carbon dioxide is a natural inorganic refrigerant. It was used in refrigeration systems as early as the late 1800s and has become popular again as a low-GWP alternative to many synthetic refrigerants.
| Formula | CO2 |
| Boiling/Sublimation Point |
About -78.5°C at atmospheric pressure
|
| ODP | 0 |
| GWP | 1 |
| Safety Class | A1 — low toxicity, non-flammable |
| Status |
Active. Used in commercial refrigeration, heat pumps, and transport cooling
|
Application
- Supermarket refrigeration systems
- Commercial heat pumps
- Refrigerated trucks or reefer shipping containers
- Cascade refrigeration systems
- Industrial cooling systems
Benefit
- Low-toxicity and non-flammable (class A1)
- Good option for public and commercial spaces
- Works well in supermarket and transport refrigeration
Disadvantage
- Operates under high pressure
- Needs strong pressure rated components
- Requires careful system design
- Can be harder to manage in hot climate
Current Status: Active. It is one of the leading natural refrigerant in the commercial world today.
Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were developed in the late 1920s and became popular because they were stable, non-flammable, and low in toxicity. They were widely used in refrigerators, air conditioners, car AC systems, and large chillers.
However, this same stability became their biggest problem. CFCs can reach the upper atmosphere without breaking down. Once there, they release chlorine that damages the ozone layer. This ozone damage led to global restrictions and the phaseout of CFCs under the Montreal Protocol.
9. R11 (Trichlorofluoromethane)
R11, also known as trichlorofluoromethane, is a synthetic CFC refrigerant once used in large low-pressure chiller systems.
| Formula | CCl3F |
| ODP | 1 |
| GWP | 4,750 |
| Safety Class | A1 – low toxicity, non-flammable |
| Status | Phased out |
Application
- Large centrifugal chillers used to cool big office buildings
- Industrial plants
- Hospitals
- Malls
Benefits
- Worked well in low pressure chiller system
- Non flammable under normal conditions
- Supported large scale air conditioning in big buildings
Disadvantage
- Damaged the ozone layer
- Has high global warming potential
Current Status: Phased Out
10. R12 (Dichlorodifluoromethane)
R12 refrigerant or CFC-12 was one of the most widely used CFC refrigerant in the 20th century. It became popular because it was stable, non flammable, and low in toxicity compared with the other earlier refrigerants.
| Formula | CCl2F2 |
| ODP | 1 |
| GWP | 10,900 |
| Safety Class | A1 – low toxicity, non-flammable |
| Status | Phased out |
Application
- Automotive air conditioning
- Household refrigerators
- Small commercial coolers
- Older refrigeration system
Benefits
- Stable and non-flammable
- Worked perfectly with mineral oil
- Compatible with older system materials
Disadvantages
- Damaged the ozone layer
- Has very high global warming potential
Current Status: Phased out
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons were developed as a temporary replacement for CFCs. By adding a hydrogen atom to the chemical chain, scientists ensured that these gases would break down more quickly in the lower atmosphere. But they still contain ozone-depleting chlorine, so they can still damage the ozone layer.
11. R22 (Chlorodifluoromethane)
R22 refrigerant or HCFC-22, was developed and patented in the 1930s and was one of the most widely used refrigerant in the second half of the 20th century.
| Type | Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) |
| Formula | CHClF2 |
| ODP | 0.055 |
| GWP | 1,810 |
| Safety Class | A1 |
| Status |
Phased out for new production/import in many markets
|
Applications
- Residential Air Conditioners
- Commercial refrigeration systems
- supermarket refrigeration racks
- Large industrial cooling systems
- Chillers
Benefits
- Has excellent heat transfer properties
- Works under manageable pressures
- Compatible with mineral oil in many older systems
- Reliable in a wide range of AC and refrigeration applications
Disadvantage:
- Contains Chlorine which damages the ozone layer
- Has high global warming potential
- Can cause high compressor discharge temperatures
Current Status: Phased out / Existing system may still be serviced in some markets using reclaimed, recycle or stockpiled r22 depending on local regulations.
12. R123 (Dichlorotrifluoroethane)
R123, also known as HCFC-123. Introduced in the late 1980s as a lower ODP replacement for R11 in large-scale cooling systems.
| Formula | CHCl2CF3 |
| ODP | 0.02 |
| GWP | 77 |
| Safety Class | B1 higher toxicity, non-flammable |
| Status | Being phased out |
Applications
- Low-pressure centrifugal chillers
- Large building cooling system
- Airports, malls, hospitals and commercial facilities
Benefits
- Works well in low pressure chiller system
- Low ODP
Disadvantage:
- Has toxicity concerns (class b1)
- Requires leak detections and good ventilation
- Still contains chlorine that can damage the ozone layer
Current Status: Phasing Out.
13. R124 (Chlorotetrafluoroethane)
R124 refrigerant was developed in the 1990s mainly as a component for a refrigerant blend.
| Formula | CHClFCF3 |
| ODP | 0.022 |
| GWP | 609 |
| Safety Class | A1 low toxicity, non-flammable |
| Status | Being phased out |
Application: R124 is used as a component in refrigerant blends, especially older HCFC retrofit blends.
Benefits It provides a very stable cooling cycle in extreme heat conditions where other gases might fail or cause the system to over-pressurize.
- Non-flammable
- Useful in specialty refrigerant blends
- Helps improve blend performance in selected systems
Disadvantages
- It also contributes to ozone depletion
- Has high GWP
- Being phased out under HCFC regulations
Current Status: Currently being phased out.
Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)
These types of refrigerants were so-called the Ozone safe era of the late 20th and 21st century. Scientists have created a generation of refrigerants that do not damage the ozone layer by completely removing the chlorine atom from the molecular chain. However, because these gases are stable, they act like a thick blanket in the sky that traps heat and contributes to global warming. This has led to their current regulation under the Kigali Amendment.
14. R152A (Difluoroethane)
R152A also known as HFC-152A was developed as a specialized synthetic gas and gained popularity as the industry sought a balance between cooling performance and lower climate impact.
| Formula | CH3CHF2 |
| ODP | 0 |
| GWP | 124 |
| Safety Class | A2 low toxicity, flammable |
| Status | Active in selected applications |
Application: Found in specialized industrial blends. It has also been considered as low-GWP option for automotive air conditioning.
Benefits
- Has Zero ODP
- Low GWP
- No temperature glide
- Good cooling performance
Disadvantages
- Flammable (Class A2)
- Require proper leak control and safe handling
Current Status: Active but used in selected applications.
15. R134A Refrigerant
R134A also known as HFC-134a, became a major replacement for R12 in the 1990s. It was widely used because it has zero ozone depletion potential and works well in many cooling systems.
| Formula | CH2FCF3 |
| ODP | 0 |
| GWP | 1,430 |
| Safety Class | A1 low toxicity, non-flammable |
| Status |
Being phased down or restricted in many new applications
|
Applications
- Used for automotive air conditioning
- Household refrigerators
- Large commercial centrifugal refrigeration
- Heat pump system
Benefits
- Non-flammable
- Stable and non-corrosive
- Has zero ODP
- Reliable across a wide range of temperatures.
Disadvantage:
- Has high GWP
- Contributes to climate change if leaked
- Need POE or PAG oil instead of mineral oil
Current Status: Phasing Down /Restricted in many new applications
16. R32 Refrigerant
R32 (difluoromethane) was first widely used as part of the R410A blend, then became popular as a standalone lower-GWP alternative.
| Formula | CH2F2 |
| ODP | 0 |
| GWP | 675 |
| Safety Class | A2L, low toxicity, mildly flammable |
| Status |
Widely used in modern split AC and heat pump systems
|
Applications
- Modern split system air conditioners
- Residential heat pumps
- Some Inverter Cooling System
Benefits
- It has a high heat transfer efficiency
- Has Zero ODP
- Lower GWP than R410A
- Easier to recover and recycle
Disadvantages
- Mildly Flammable (Class A2L)
- Needs good ventilation and leak protection during service
- Should be handled by professionals
Current Status: Active. Used in modern AC and heat pumps.
Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC Blend)
HFC blends are refrigerants made by mixing two or more HFC refrigerants. They were developed to replace older CFC and HCFC refrigerants while keeping similar cooling performance.
These blends have zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) because they do not contain chlorine. However, many HFC blends have high global warming potential (GWP), so they are now being phased down or restricted in many new cooling systems.
17. R404A Refrigerant
R404A refrigerant was developed in the mid 1990s and was created to replace the old R502. It became widely used in commercial refrigeration because it performs well in low-refrigeration system such as freezer, cold rooms and supermarket.
| Blend Components | R125, R143a, and R134a |
| ODP | 0 |
| GWP | 3,922 |
| Safety Class | A1 – low toxicity, non-flammable |
| Status |
High-GWP refrigerant; restricted or being phased down in many markets
|
Applications
- Supermarket freezer displays
- Cold rooms and walk-in freezers
- refrigerated trucks
- ice machines
- Low temperature commercial refrigeration systems
Benefits
- It is non-flammable
- Excellent performance in freezer systems
- Stable blend
- Worked well as replacement of R502
Disadvantages
- High GWP
- Contributes to climate impact if leaked
Current Status: Phased down.
18. R407C Refrigerant
R407C is an HFC blend developed as a replacement for R22 in air conditioning and medium-temperature refrigeration systems. It has similar operating characteristics to R22, but it is not always a simple drop-in replacement.
| Blend Components | R32, R125, and R134a |
| Composition | R32 23%, R125 25%, R134a 52% |
| ODP | 0 |
| GWP | 1,774 |
| Safety Class | A1 |
| Status | Active but declining in new systems |
Applications
- R22 retrofit systems
- Residential air conditioning
- Commercial air conditioning
- Heat pumps
Benefits
- Works well as an R22 retrofit option
- Has zero ODP
- Non-flammable under normal use
- Similar pressure and performance characteristics to R22
Disadvantages
- Has high GWP
- Has noticeable temperature glide
- Must be charged as a liquid to keep the blend balanced
Current Status: Active but declining as the R22 equipment is replaced.
19. R410A Refrigerant
R410A is an HFC blend developed as a replacement for R22 in new air conditioning and heat pump systems. While other blends tried to act like old gases, this was different. It required entirely new, much stronger compressors and thicker copper piping to handle its power. By the early 2000s, it had become the global standard for every modern air conditioner.
| Blend Components | 50% R32 and 50% R125 |
| ODP | 0 |
| GWP | 2,088 |
| Safety Class | A1 |
| Status |
Phasing down / Being restricted new AC and heat pump systems
|
Applications
- Residential air conditioners
- Light commercial AC systems
- Heat pumps
- VRF/VRV systems
Benefits
- Strong cooling performance
- Has zero ODP
- Non-flammable
- Near-azeotropic blend, so it behaves almost like a single refrigerant
Disadvantage
- Has high GWP
- Operates at much higher pressure than R22
- Cannot be used as a simple retrofit in R22 systems
Current Status: Being phased down
20. R507A Refrigerant
R507A is an azeotropic HFC blend used in many of the same low-temperature refrigeration applications as R404A. It does the same job but is blended more smoothly, so it doesn’t separate.
| Blend Components | 50% R125 and 50% R143a |
| ODP | 0 |
| GWP | 3,985 |
| Safety Class | A1 |
| Status |
Restricted / being phased down in many markets
|
Applications
- Industrial freezers
- Supermarket refrigeration systems
- Cold storage warehouses
- Food processing refrigeration
Benefits
- It behaves like a single gas
- Works well in freezer systems
- Non-flammable
- Easier to service
Disadvantages
- Has very high GWP
- Strong climate impact if leaked
- Restricted in many new systems
Current Status: Restricted / being phased down.
21. R438A Refrigerant
R438A is often called MO99 and is developed as a replacement for R22. It is mainly used when equipment owners want to keep older R22 systems running without a full system replacement.
| Blend Components | R32, R125, R134a, R600, and R601a |
| Composition |
R32 8.5%, R125 45%, R134a 44.2%, R600 1.7%, R601a 0.6%
|
| ODP | 0 |
| GWP | 2,265 |
| Safety Class | A1 |
| Status |
Active, mainly for R22 retrofit and service use
|
Applications
- Residential and commercial AC
- Some supermarket and walk-in refrigeration systems
Benefits
- Works as an R22 retrofit option
- Compatible with mineral oil, AB oil and POE oil
- Has zero ODP
- Non-flammable and Non-toxic
Disadvantage:
- Has high GWP
- Not a simple drop in for every system
- Must be charged as a liquid
Current Status: Active but only used as a service gas for maintaining old machines.
22. R422B Refrigerant
R422B, often known by its trade name NU-22B, and is also considered a replacement for R22. This was developed to help business owners avoid the high cost of replacing the entire unit when the R22 became too expensive and unavailable.
| Blend Components | R125, R134a, and R600a |
| Composition | R125 55%, R134a 42%, R600a 3% |
| ODP | 0 |
| GWP | 2,526 |
| Safety Class | A1 |
| Status |
Active, mainly for R22 retrofit and service use
|
Applications
- Residential split-type systems
- Rooftop AC units
- Commercial AC systems
Benefits
- Can replace R22 in some existing systems
- Has zero ODP
- Compatible with mineral oil, AB oil, and POE oil in many systems.
Disadvantages
- Has high GWP
- Has a slightly lower cooling capacity compared to R22
- Still need proper retrofit steps, leak checks, and filter drier replacement
Current Status: Active. Mainly used to service older R22 systems.
23. R502 Refrigerant
R502 was developed in the 1960s and was created to solve the major problems with the early commercial freezers. Older gases would get too hot when trying to reach deep freeze temperatures, which causes the compressors to burn out. R502 was widely used in low-temperature commercial refrigeration because it helped reduce compressor discharge temperatures compared with R22.
| Blend Components | R22 and R115 |
| Composition | 48.8% R22 / 51.2% R115 |
| ODP | 0.33 |
| GWP | 4657 |
| Safety Class | A1 |
| Status | Phased out |
Applications
- Supermarket freezer
- Walk-in Freezers
- Ice machines
- Frozen food storage systems
Benefits
- Work well in lower temperature systems
- Has lower compressor discharge temperatures than R22
- Behaved like a single refrigerant
- Has little to no temperature glide
Disadvantages
- Damaged the ozone layer
- Has high GWP
- Contains R115, A CFC component
- Phased out under 1987 Montreal Protocol
Current Status: Phased out
Hydrofluoroolefin / HFO and Hydrofluorocarbon / HFC Blends
HFO/HFC blends are modern refrigerant blends made by mixing hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) with hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). They were developed to lower global warming potential (GWP) while keeping good cooling performance.
These blends usually have zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and lower GWP than many older HFC refrigerants. However, they are not all the same. Some HFO/HFC blends are non-flammable, while others are mildly flammable and require equipment designed for safe use.
24. R450A Refrigerant
R450A, also known as Solstice N13, it was created to be a non-flammable, eco-friendly substitute for R134A.
| Blend Components | R134a and R1234ze(E) |
| Composition | 42% R134a / 58% R1234ze(E) |
| ODP | 0 |
| GWP | 601 |
| Safety Class | A1 |
| Status | Active |
Applications
- Vending machines
- Medium temperature display cases
- Water chillers
- Beverage coolers
Benefits
- Non-flammable
- Has zero ODP
- Low temperature glide
Disadvantages
- Slightly lower cooling capacity compared to R134A
Current Status: Active
25. R454B Refrigerant
R454B Known as Opteon XL41, this is the leading successor to high-pressure R410A. It is being adopted by major manufacturers for the next-generation home cooling.
| Blend Components | R32 and R1234yf |
| Composition | 68.9% R32 / 31.1% R1234yf |
| ODP | 0 |
| GWP | 465 |
| Safety Class | A2L |
| Status |
Active use in new AC and heat pump systems
|
Applications
- Residential air conditioners
- Heat pumps
- Mini-split and multi-split system
Benefit:
- Lower GWP than R410A
- Zero ODP
- Similar performance to R410A
Disadvantages
- Slightly flammable (Class A2L)
- It requires safety standards, including a specialized leak sensor and no-spark electrical components in the outdoor unit.
Current Status: Active.
26. R513A Refrigerant
R513A is marketed as Opteon XP10, which is an Azeotropic blend, meaning the gases stay perfectly mixed even if there is a leak.
| Blend Components | R134a and R1234yf |
| Composition | 44% R134a / 56% R1234yf |
| ODP | 0 |
| GWP | 630 |
| Safety Class | A1 |
| Status | Active |
Applications
- Used in industrial chillers
- Commercial chillers
- Data center cooling
Benefit:
- It is non-flammable
- has zero temperature glide
- Zero ODP
Disadvantages
- Its GWP is still above 500, so it may face future restrictions in markets with stricter low-GWP limits.
Current Status: Active
27. R448A Refrigerant
R448A was known as Solstice N40, a combination of a 5-gas recipe. It was created to replace R404A and R507A gas, which is used in the food industry.
| Blend Components |
R32, R125, R134a, R1234ze(E), and R1234yf
|
| Composition |
R32 26%, R125 26%, R134a 21%, R1234ze(E) 7%, R1234yf 20%
|
| ODP | 0 |
| GWP | 1,387 |
| Safety Class | A1 |
| Status |
Active, but restricted in some new systems depending on local GWP rules
|
Applications
- Supermarket refrigeration racks
- Refrigerated container
- Freezer and display cases
- Cold storage warehouses
- Low and medium temperature commercial refrigeration
Benefits
- Non-flammable
- Lower GWP than R404A and R507A
Disadvantages
- Has a high temperature glide, meaning it must be charged carefully as a liquid and requires expert calibration.
Current Status: Active
Wrapping up
Now that you’ve learned the different types of refrigerant, from earlier options to newer developments, you can now understand how cooling systems have evolved. Each refrigerant has its own role and characteristics. Knowing these types gives you a clearer view of modern refrigeration and the choices used today.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What does GWP mean in refrigerants?
GWP means Global Warming Potential. It measures how much heat a refrigerant can trap in the atmosphere compared with carbon dioxide. A lower GWP means lower climate impact if the refrigerant leaks.
What does ODP mean in refrigerants?
ODP stands for Ozone Depletion Potential. It measures how much a refrigerant can damage the ozone layer.
Which refrigerants are considered low-GWP?
Low-GWP refrigerants include R290 propane, R600a isobutane, R744 carbon dioxide, R717 ammonia and some HFO/HFC blends.
Why are some refrigerants being phased out?
Some refrigerants are being phased out because they either damaged the ozone layer or have a high global warming potential.
What is the best refrigerant for the cooling system?
The best choice depends on equipment type, cooling requirement, safety needs, local regulations, environmental impact and system design.
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