The Different Types Of Freon And Which Types Are The Best

Refrigeration devices and aerosol propellants often use chlorofluorocarbons along with related compounds, which are known more commonly by the trade name, Freon. Even though Freon is a type of man-made compound it also acts as a type of organic solvent. Even though there are a number of Freon types, they will all fall under HFC, CFC and HCFC categories.

CFC

CFC which is short for chlorofluorocarbon, is a type of organic compound which consists of Carbon, Fluorine and Chlorine and in some cases hydrogen elements. Even though CFC is classified as non-flammable and non-toxic it does contribute too depleting stratospheric-ozone shields. The more common types of CFC-based Freon types include dichlorodifluoromethane Freon 12, dichlorotetrafluoroethane Freon 114, trichlorofluoromethane Freon 11 and trichlorotrifluorethan Freon 113. These Freon types are all odorless compounds and used mainly in the operations of air-conditioning and refrigeration systems.

HFC

The Hydrofluorocarbons consist of Hydrogen, Fluorine and Carbon. HFC based Freon perform in a similar manner to CFC Freon but are less harmful when it comes to the ozone-layer. Unlike the majority of the CFC-based Freon%u2019s, HFC-based Freon doesn%u2019t contain bromine and chlorine atoms which destroy the ozone. However, HFCs do perform in the form of %u201Cgreenhouse gasses%u201D which release more of the warming-agents into our atmosphere in comparison to carbon dioxide. Due to the 1987 Montreal Protocol that is internationally phasing out the CFC Freon, there are many manufacturers now turning to the HFC Freon types. Similar to the CFC Freon%u2019s, the HFC Freon%u2019s are mainly used in air conditioning and refrigeration but are also used in the production of certain insulating foams.

HCFC

The Freon%u2019s that are based on hydrochlorofluorocarbons, better known as HCFCs are another substitute to the ozone-depleting CFC-based Freon%u2019s. The HCFC compound is made up of Hydrogen, Chlorine, Fluorine and Carbon elements. Due to the fact that the HCFC Freon also contains chlorine it also contributes to depleting the ozone layer but to a lesser degree than CFC Freon. Since 2010, HCFC%u2019s are in the process of being phased-out, beginning with HCFCs that represent the highest of the ozone-depleting potentials. Like the HFC and CFC based Freon types, the HCFC Freon%u2019s typically act as a type of refrigerant.

Four Refrigerant Types That Are Safer Than Freon

Since it has been decided that the Hydrochlorofluorocarbon refrigerant known as R-22, which has been commonly used for many years is harmful to the environment, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is in the process of working on phasing this refrigerant out looking for a possible ban by 2030. As more and more consumers work on making sure their refrigerant-based equipment and machinery will still be able to operate in their industrial worksites, businesses and residences, many are in search of a more cost-effective, efficient and environmentally-friendly alternative to Freon. Here is a list of the more popular refrigerants which are currently regarded as a suitable and safer alternative to Freon.

R-407C

Due to its thermodynamic properties which correspond closely to the types available in R-22, the R-407C has become one of the common refrigerant replacements for people who are looking to retrofit their R-22 equipment. The combination of the hydrofluorocarbons is inclusive of a mix of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, difluoromethane, and pentafluoroethane. This alternative refrigerant has become popular for use in water chillers, ductless split-systems and packaged air-conditioners along direct-expansion and light air-conditioning systems that are found in industrial, commercial and residential properties.

This popular alternative to Freon is regarded as safer when it comes to the environment as it features an Ozone Depletion Potential of zero. Available in drums and cylinders, R-407C is now available for purchase from a number of reputable refrigerant and gas suppliers.

R-134A

This haloalkane refrigerant that offers thermodynamic properties is known as Norflurane more commonly known as R-134A. This refrigerant consists of one component unlike the blended R-22 and R-12 alternatives. Due to this property, working with a refrigerant will not necessitate the need to use various recovery machines.

To date, R134-A is at this stage the only alternative refrigerant that has been approved to retrofit the R-12 air-conditioning systems found in vehicles. R-134A is regarded as a safer option in association to the environment as certain experts suggest that it has an effect that is insignificant to the ozone-layer. Certain experts suggest it has an Ozone Depletion Potential of zero, but a few countries are not convinced and have started to phase it out with R-22. However, R-134A is still available in the U.S. and can be purchased form most of the automotive departments associated with big-box stores and auto-shops.

R-404A

One of the other widely-accepted Bluon Energy R22 alternatives to R-22 Freon, the R-404A also has an Ozone Depletion Potential of zero. This type of refrigerant is more commonly used in refrigeration systems which require a temperature that ranges between -49' F and 59' F, or -45' C and 15' C. It has become the preferred choice in industrial and commercial transport industries in association to its wider temperature range. The make-up of this refrigerant is similar to R-22 and in some cases provides an improved performance. Due to the fact that R-404A does not react to water and air rapidly, it is regarded as a safe alternative for a variety of uses. This refrigerant is also odorless, colorless and non-flammable.

R-410A

R-410A is made up of a blend consisting of 2 hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants, which include pentafluoroethane and difluoromethane. This non-ozone depleting refrigerant offers improved energy efficiency when compared to R-407C and R-22 and has no chlorine present. It is now regarded as the more suitable choice to R-22 as it offers higher refrigeration capacity and pressure which translates into a better performance.

While regarded as the more popular choice for chilling units, air-conditioning systems and commercial refrigeration, it is essential to know that this suitable alternative over Freon will not be able to operate in the R-22 A/C units. This is because R-410A has a far higher pressure, which means it used a manifold-pressure gauge that is different to the types that are typically utilized with R-22.