Refrigerants are the lifeblood of air conditioning systems, including the widely-used split system air conditioners. Without refrigerants, the process of cooling or heating air simply wouldn’t be possible. However, over the years, refrigerants have gained attention not just for their role in comfort but also for their significant environmental impact.
In this article, we will discuss the types of refrigerants commonly used, and look at their environmental impact and the shift toward eco-friendly alternatives.
What Are Refrigerants, and Why Are They Important?
A refrigerant is a chemical substance that flows through an air conditioning system, enabling the unit to absorb heat from one space and release it into another. In a split system, the refrigerant circulates between the indoor and outdoor units, facilitating temperature exchange.
Here’s how the process typically works:
Absorbing Heat Indoors: The refrigerant evaporates into a low-pressure gas inside the indoor unit’s evaporator coil, drawing heat from the air inside your home or office.
Releasing Heat Outdoors: The refrigerant, now in gas form, moves to the outdoor unit, where it is compressed and condensed back into a liquid, releasing the absorbed heat.
Repeating the Cycle: This cycle continues, cooling your space efficiently.
Refrigerants determine how effectively and efficiently a split system air conditioner performs. However, not all refrigerants are created equal.
Types of Refrigerants in Split System Air Conditioners
Over the decades, the manufacturing industry has used various refrigerants, each with its own pros, cons, and environmental implications. Let’s take a closer look at the most common types and their evolution:
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), such as R-12
These were some of the first refrigerants used in air conditioners and refrigerators due to their high efficiency and chemical stability. CFCs were found to have a devastating effect on the ozone layer. They were phased out globally under the Montreal Protocol in the 1990s and are no longer used in modern air conditioning systems.
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), such as R-22
HCFCs were introduced as replacements for CFCs and were widely used in split systems for years. Although less harmful to the ozone layer than CFCs, HCFCs still have a significant ozone depletion potential (ODP) and contribute to global warming.
R-22 has been phased out in most countries and is banned in new air conditioning installations. However, old systems may still rely on it, and recycling or recovering it is the only legal method of obtaining it.
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), such as R-410A
HFCs became the go-to refrigerants for modern split system air conditioners as they have zero ozone depletion potential. Despite being ozone-friendly, HFCs have a high global warming potential (GWP), meaning they contribute significantly to climate change if released into the atmosphere.
R-410A is still widely used, but stricter environmental regulations are driving a move toward lower-GWP alternatives.
Eco-Friendly Refrigerants, such as R-32 and R-290
These newer refrigerants are designed to be more environmentally friendly while maintaining efficient performance. R-32 is a hydrofluorocarbon with a GWP about one-third that of R-410A. Many manufacturers are now making R-32 the standard for split systems.
R-290/Propane is a natural refrigerant with a very low GWP and no ozone-depletion potential, though it requires careful handling due to its flammability. These refrigerants significantly reduce climate change contributions without compromising safety or efficiency.
R-32 is increasingly used in modern systems, with R-32 being a transitional step toward even more sustainable options.
Environmental Impact of Refrigerants
Refrigerants are widely scrutinized because of their two major environmental impacts:
Ozone Layer Depletion
Older refrigerants like CFCs and HCFCs were found to break down the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. The global ban on these substances under the Montreal Protocol has led to a gradual healing of the ozone layer.
Global Warming Potential
While refrigerants like HFCs solved the ozone depletion problem, they introduced another environmental issue: global warming. When these refrigerants leak into the atmosphere (from improper handling, disposal, or system malfunction), they act as potent greenhouse gases, trapping heat far more effectively than carbon dioxide. Modern refrigerants such as R-32 aim to lower these emissions, but the eventual goal is to develop and adopt refrigerants with near-zero GWP.
Why Refrigerant Management Matters
While refrigerants are essential for air conditioning, their environmental impact depends largely on how they’re handled. Proper refrigerant management can prevent leaks, reduce emissions, and mitigate their environmental harm.
Here are steps to minimise refrigerant-related environmental issues:
- Install and maintain your air conditioner properly: Poorly maintained systems are more likely to develop leaks.
- Recover and recycle old refrigerants: Never release refrigerants into the atmosphere. Use certified technicians to recover, recycle, or dispose of refrigerants safely.
- Upgrade to modern systems: Retiring old systems that rely on phased-out refrigerants in favor of Eco-Friendly models helps mitigate pollution.
- Follow local regulations: Many countries now regulate refrigerant types, handling, and disposal under international agreements.
The Future of Refrigerants
The HVAC industry is heading toward solutions that balance performance with sustainability. Advances in refrigerant technology are driving the development of low-GWP refrigerants such as HFOs (Hydrofluoroolefins) and natural refrigerants like carbon dioxide (R-744). These refrigerants offer the possibility of drastically reducing environmental impact without sacrificing operational efficiency.
While new refrigerants and systems are promising, consumer education, responsible manufacturing, and government regulations will play a key role in achieving a future where air conditioning systems are both effective and sustainable.
Conclusion
Refrigerants are indispensable to split system air conditioners, ensuring they operate efficiently and reliably. However, their environmental consequences have spurred significant change over the years, creating a push for safer, eco-friendly alternatives.
As regulations tighten and technological advancements continue, we’ll see a shift toward refrigerants that minimise harm to our planet. For homeowners and businesses, transitioning to systems that use modern eco-friendly refrigerants is a small but impactful step in reducing your environmental footprint while staying cool.
Remember: Refrigerants may be out of sight, but they shouldn’t be out of mind. Choose sustainable options and work with trusted professionals to handle refrigerants responsibly, ensuring both your system’s performance and the health of the planet.
