R-410A is a hydro-fluorocarbon (HFC) which does not contribute to ozone depletion. R-410A can also absorb and release more heat than R-22.
HFC = HydroFluoroCarbons
The hydrofluorocarbons are refrigerants that contain no chlorine and are not harmful to the ozone layer (ODP = 0, see section 5.3). However, their impact on global warming is very large compared with traditional refrigerants.
Final answer: The friendliest refrigerants to the ozone layer include hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and ozone-safe hydrocarbons, as they do not deplete the ozone layer like traditional CFCs. New compounds are being developed to ensure they break down in the lower atmosphere, minimizing potential harm.
R32 is an hydrofluorocarbon compound which has zero ODP, which means it does not harm the ozone layer. Refrigerants are divided into two categories; Class A and Class B, based on toxicity. R32 falls under Class B, the non-toxic category. This means that it is safe for both humans and the environment.
Are refrigerants available for home air conditioners that do not harm the ozone layer? Yes, a number of ozone-friendly refrigerants are available and widely used today. The most common alternative in new AC systems is R-410A, which is known by trade names such as GENETRON AZ-20®, SUVA 410A®, Forane® 410A, and Puron®.
Why R-410A Is Being Phased Out. Because R-410A operates at such high pressures, there is an increased risk of an environmentally harmful refrigerant leak during maintenance and repair work. The R-410A phase-out means new HVAC systems will use more sustainable refrigerants.
R-410a, which is an HFC refrigerant, has an ozone depletion potential of 0.
Changes to the Dangerous Goods Legislation, effective in 2021, has new categories for A2L refrigerants. R32 is a synthetic greenhouse gas. If released to the atmosphere it can contribute to climate change. R32 is a flammable refrigerant.
R-410A is a hydro-fluorocarbon (HFC) which does not contribute to ozone depletion. R-410A can also absorb and release more heat than R-22. This means your air conditioning compressor can run cooler, reducing the risk of compressor burnout due to overheating.
The Takeaway. In most cases, R32 is the superior refrigerant when compared to R410A. While neither refrigerant depletes the ozone layer, R32 has a lower GWP and is easier to recycle. R32 also has lower operating and maintenance costs and is nowadays more common than R410A due to the phase-out.
R-143A is non-toxic and does not cause corrosion. R-404A – a blended hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) that is nonflammable with low toxicity and is comprised of R-125, R-134A, and R-143A. R-404A works well in low to medium temperatures in refrigerated vehicles and ice makers.
The refrigerant with the highest ozone depletion potential is CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons).
GWP & ozone depletion
R134a is an HFC, that means it has no chlorine molecule and therefore doesn't deplete the ozone layer.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has since added R-134A to its list of greenhouse gases, declaring definitively that this refrigerant is a poor choice for the future of the planet and its inhabitants.
Ammonia is safe for the environment, with an Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) rating of 0 and a Global Warming Potential (GWP) rating of 0. Ammonia is substantially less expensive than CFCs or HCFCs.
Carbon Dioxide
It is present in the atmosphere and it is non-flammable and non-toxic. Despite the high pressures associated with its use, carbon dioxide has been used as a refrigerant since 1862. Carbon dioxide continued in use in marine refrigeration as a non-toxic alternative to ammonia and to methyl chloride.
R-22 is a refrigerant that is often used in air- conditioning equipment. Because R-22 depletes the ozone layer, production and import was further limited in 2010. In 2020, R-22 will no longer be produced or imported. After 2020, only recovered, recycled, or reclaimed supplies of R-22 will be available.
Explanation: The refrigerant that will not damage stratospheric ozone is C) HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons). Unlike chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), HFCs do not contain chlorine or bromine atoms, which are responsible for depleting ozone.
Global Warming Potential (GWP)
R32 boasts a lower GWP (657) compared to R22 (1810) and R410A (2088). This means R32 has a smaller environmental impact and is kinder to the planet, emitting fewer greenhouse gases.
R-22 (Chlorodifluoromethane), also known as R22 Freon or HCFC-22 Freon, was a common refrigerant for HVAC systems. It is now a banned refrigerant that is illegal to import or manufacture.
R32 has the advantage of being a singlecomponent refrigerant with higher energy efficiency and a smaller physical footprint. It's already in use globally, so you can be confident in its reliability. R454B, while newer, has the benefit of an even lower GWP, making it the more environmentally friendly option.
After R410 is completely phased out in January of 2025, it is also likely that new HVAC systems will be designed with sensors and other mechanisms to detect R410 refrigerant and prevent operation.
Expert-Verified Answer. CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) are the most harmful refrigerants to stratospheric ozone because they release chlorine atoms in the stratosphere, which destroy ozone molecules.
HFC-134a has no ozone depletion potential and is nonflammable, but it has a high global-warming potential (GWP). HC- 600a is flammable, has a zero ODP, and has a GWP approaching zero. Other alternatives for some applications include HFC-152a and binary and ternary blends of HCFCs and HFCs.
Ammonia (NH3)
It is one of the most ecologically responsible alternatives because it has no ozone depletion potential and a GWP value of 0. For many years, NH3 has been employed in large-scale air conditioning, cold storage, and industrial refrigeration.