Aren’t you curious about how refrigerators keep things cool all the time, or what makes this cooling process possible? The answer is its Refrigerant. However, not all refrigerators use the same type; it depends on the manufacturer’s design.
In this guide, we will take a look at the available refrigerants in the market and why some of these are no longer common today.
Types of Refrigerant Use in Refrigerators
1. R12 (Dichlorodifluoromethane)
Origin: It was developed in the United States in 1928 by Thomas Midgley Jr. at Kinetic Chemicals, a joint venture between DuPont and General Motors.
Chemical Composition: CCl2F2 (Chlorofluorocarbon)
Main Benefits: R12 has a high critical point, which means that it will still work even in a very high temperature environment. It is also stable and non-corrosive. One of the first refrigerants that is considered safe for household refrigerators because of its non-corrosive properties and doesn’t leak toxic fumes, unlike earlier versions.
Disadvantages: It has a huge Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP). It can stay in the atmosphere for over 100 years and harm the ozone layer in the long run.
Status: It has been globally prohibited and banned since the 1990s due to its potential damage to the ozone layer.
2. R22 (Chlorodifluoromethane)
Origin: Developed in the United States by DuPont in the 1930s, more efficient alternative for high-capacity cooling.
Chemical Composition: CHClF2 (Hydrochlorofluorocarbon or HCFC)
Main Benefits: It works on a wide range of temperatures and is cheaper compared to R12. Also, it has a higher volumetric capacity than R12. This meant manufacturers can use smaller and thinner copper tubing to achieve the same cold temperature.
Disadvantages: While it is proven to be less damaging than R12, it still contains chlorine, which destroys the ozone layer. It also has a high (1,760-GWP) Global Warming Potential (GWP)
Status: PHASED OUT. Production stopped in 2020. Only reclaimed R22 can be used for repairs as of 2026.
3. R134A / HFC-134a (1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane)
Origin: It was developed in the United States (DuPont) and in the United Kingdom (ICI) at the same time in the late 1980s as a response to the Montreal Protocol. This protocol specifically targets the production and consumption of the ozone-depleting substances (ODS), which led to the abolition of R12 and R22.
Chemical Formulation: CH2FCF3 (HFC)
Main Benefits: Zero Ozone Depletion. It is non-flammable and works well in medium temperatures like kitchen/ household refrigerators.
Disadvantages: It is a super greenhouse gas with a high Global Warming Potential (GWP) OF 1430. This means that even small leaks from refrigerators contribute to a massive climate footprint, which then results in climate change.
Status: PHASING Down, many countries are banning its use in new 2025-2026 refrigerator models.
4. R600A (ISOBUTANE)
Origin: Though it was discovered earlier, its use as a modern refrigerant originated in Germany in the early 1990s through the collaboration between Greenpeace and the company Foron.
Chemical Formulation: C4H10 (Hydrocarbon)
Main Benefits: R600A is categorized as a natural refrigerant with almost zero environmental impact (GWP of 3). It is energy efficient compared to the previous option, which results in lower electricity bills.
Disadvantages: It is highly flammable. As recommended, technicians must use specialized non-spark tools and sealed electrical switches to prevent explosions during repairs.
Status: Global Standard for new household refrigerators.
5. R-290 (Propane)
Origin: Used in the early 20th century but perfected for modern commercial use between the 1990s and 2000s in Europe (Germany and Scandinavia)
Chemical Formulation: C3H8 (Hydrocarbon)
Main Benefits: Has a high heat transfer property. This means that it helps the commercial coolers like those in convenience stores to recover their temperature quickly after the door is opened.
Disadvantages: Like R600A, it is highly flammable.
Status: Widely used in commercial refrigeration.
6. R-404A
Origin:R404A was developed in the United States by Honeywell in the mid-1990s as a non ozone depleting alternatives.
Chemical Formulation: A blend of 52% HFC-143a (1,1,1-trifluoroethane), 44% HFC-125 (pentafluoroethane), and 4% HFC-134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane)
Main Benefits: It was the so called The freezer King. It can maintain stable pressures even at sub-zero temperatures, which is ideal for use in supermarkets’ frozen food aisles.
Disadvantages: One of the highest GWP scores (3922). They say that the small leaks from it are equivalent to driving a car for a thousand miles.
Status: Banned on new equipment in the EU and North America as of 2025.
7. Ammonia (R-717)
Origin: It was first used as a refrigerant in the 1850s in France, as the beginning of vapor-compression refrigeration technology. Later on, it was then introduced to the US in the 1860s for artificial ice production, followed by the first patented ammonia refrigeration machines in the 1870s.
Chemical Formulation: NH3 (Inorganic compound)
Main Benefits: It is the most energy-efficient refrigerant ever discovered. It is affordable, has ZERO GWP and zero ODP.
Disadvantages: It is toxic and dangerous to humans. Also, it’s not compatible with copper, brass, or any other non-ferrous metal as it can potentially corrode them over time.
Status: Strictly prohibited in homes, but can be used for large-scale food processing, like cold rooms.
8. R-450A and R-513A
Origin: Developed in the United States by Honeywell around 2014-2015. Later on, this refrigerant was used on commercial and residential refrigerators around 2015-2017.
Chemical Formulation: R-450A is a mixture of a Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) and a Hydrofluoroolefin (HFO).
R-513A HFO and a Hydrochlorofluoroolefin (HCFO/HCO)
Main Benefits: They were designed as non-flammable replacements for R134a. They are used for large-scale and commercial refrigerators that cannot safely use flammable hydrocarbons.
Disadvantages: While their GWP is 50% lower than R-513A, they still have an environmental impact compared to natural gases like C02.
Status: Highly recommended for commercial and industrial refrigeration.
9. R438A
Origin: Developed in the United States by DuPont under the brand name FREON M099. It was approved and used as a refrigerant by the year 2009.
Chemical Formulation: R-32, R-125, R-134a, n-Butane and Isopentane
Main Benefits: It is the most versatile replacement for R-22. Because it contains small amounts of hydrocarbons and it can carry the original mineral oil through an old system without the need for an expensive oil change.
Disadvantages: It has a high GWP (2264). It is considered a purely band-aid fix just to keep the old machine from running.
Status: Used only for servicing older equipment and not suitable for the newer one.
10. R-744
Origin: While it was used as a refrigerant in the late 1800s, it lost favor in the 1930s because it was difficult and expensive to manage compared to synthetic gases like CFCs that emerged during that time. But in the late 1980s, Professor Gustav Lorentzen in Norway reinvented the technology. He developed transcritical cycles that allowed c02 R744 to work in the modern system.
Chemical Formulation: CO2 (inorganic compound)
Main Benefits: It has a near-zero environmental impact with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 1, providing quick heat recovery for hot water. Its high cooling capacity is suitable for small piping and compact components compared to synthetic systems. Additionally, it is non-flammable and non-toxic, making it a safe choice for sustainable cooling.
Disadvantages: It operates at pressures up to 10 times higher than standard refrigerants, which requires expensive heavy-duty steel or specialized alloy piping to prevent system failure.
Status: Current global standard for supermarket racks and industrial freezers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. How do you identify the type of refrigerant your refrigerator uses?
You can find the specific gas/refrigerant type by checking the manufacturer’s data plate, which is usually located on the interior wall or at the back of the unit.
2. Can you mix different types of refrigerants in one system?
No. Mixing them can cause chemical reactions, acid buildup, and compressor failure that will void your warranty.
3. What happens if the refrigerants are leaking?
The cooling performance will slowly decline. Your fridge may stop maintaining the correct temperature required. A technician should inspect and repair the leak as soon as possible.
4. Which refrigerant is the most commonly used in a refrigerator?
In a modern household refrigerator, R600A is one of the most commonly used refrigerants today. Many manufacturers prefer it because it is energy efficient and has a low environmental impact compared to the older refrigerants.
5. Is refrigerant harmful?
Refrigerant can be harmful if it’s inhaled in large amounts or handled improperly.
6. Is methane gas also used as a refrigerant?
Methane gas itself is not commonly used as a refrigerant in household refrigerators.
7. Should I hire a professional when dealing with refrigerants?
Yes, it is recommended to hire a qualified refrigeration technician. As professionals can quickly diagnose issues, repair leaks, and recharge the system without damaging the appliance or causing safety risks.
8. Why are some of refrigerant are being phased out?
They have a negative environmental effect, such as damaging the ozone layer or contributing to global warming.
9. What is the most eco-friendly refrigerant?
Natural refrigerants like R600a, R290, and Ammonia R717 are considered among the most eco-friendly options.
10. How long does refrigerant last in a refrigerator?
They are designed to last for the entire lifetime of the refrigerators because they operate in a sealed system. But if the refrigerant level becomes low, it means there is a leak that needs to be repaired.
11. What are the signs of low refrigerant in a refrigerator?
Common signs of low refrigerant in a refrigerator include improper cooling and a freezer that takes longer to freeze food. Other indicators are a continuously running compressor, ice buildup in unusual areas, and increased electricity consumption.
In Short:
Understanding what refrigerant is used in refrigerators helps you appreciate how your appliances work and why the type of refrigerant matters. As technology improves and environmental standards change, manufacturers continue to adopt safer and more efficient options.
Knowing this can also help you make better decisions when maintaining or choosing refrigerators in the future.
You may also find this related blog post useful:
What is Refrigerant? The Ultimate Guide
What is the 404A Refrigerant Operating Pressure in a Walk-In Freezer?
R1270 refrigerant: Properties, Benefits, Uses & Precautions
