¿Cuáles son los principales tipos de refrigerantes?

Refrigerants are the lifeblood of commercial refrigeration. They are responsible for keeping food fresh, beverages cold, and products safe in supermarkets, restaurants, and warehouses. But choosing the right refrigerant is not as simple as it used to be. With new environmental regulations phasing out older, less eco‑friendly options, businesses must understand what is available and what works best for their specific needs.

This guide explains how refrigerants work, compares the most common types used in commercial equipment, and helps you make an informed choice when upgrading or replacing your system.

1.  What Is Refrigerant and How Does It Work?

A refrigerant is a cooling agent that absorbs heat from inside a unit and releases it outside. It moves through a closed loop system, changing between liquid and gas states as it circulates. This continuous cycle is what keeps the interior of a refrigerator, freezer, or air conditioner cold.

Here is how the process works step by step:

(1) The refrigerant starts as a liquid and passes through an expansion device. The sudden drop in pressure causes it to cool and turn into a gas.

(2) The gaseous refrigerant moves through the evaporator coil inside the unit. As it does, it absorbs heat from the air or products inside, cooling the space.

(3) The compressor pulls the refrigerant gas and the absorbed heat away from the interior. It compresses the gas, which raises its pressure and temperature.

(4) The hot, high‑pressure refrigerant then flows through the condenser coils on the outside of the unit. There, it releases the absorbed heat into the surrounding air and condenses back into a liquid.

(5) The liquid refrigerant returns to the expansion device, and the cycle repeats.

2. How Refrigerants Are Measured for Environmental Impact

Not all refrigerants are created equal when it comes to their effect on the environment. Two key measurements are used to evaluate them.

Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) measures how much a refrigerant damages the ozone layer. Refrigerants with chlorine atoms, such as CFCs and HCFCs, have high ODP values and have been banned or are being phased out.

Global Warming Potential (GWP) measures how much a refrigerant contributes to global warming compared to carbon dioxide over a 100‑year period. The higher the GWP, the more harmful the refrigerant is to the climate. CO₂ has a GWP of 1. Refrigerants with GWP values in the thousands are considered high‑impact and are being replaced.

3. Types of Refrigerants Used in Commercial Equipment

Below is a breakdown of the most common refrigerants found in commercial refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

(1) R‑12 (Dichlorodifluoromethane)

R‑12 was once the most widely used refrigerant in refrigerators and car air conditioners. It belongs to the CFC family and contains chlorine, which damages the ozone layer. Its ODP is 1.0, and its GWP is extremely high at 10,900. Production of R‑12 was banned in 1994. It is no longer used in new equipment.

(2) R‑22 (Chlorodifluoromethane)

R‑22 was developed as a temporary replacement for R‑12 because it has a lower ODP (0.055). However, it still contains chlorine and contributes to ozone depletion. It was commonly used in older refrigerators and air conditioners. Under the Clean Air Act, production of R‑22 ceased in 2020, and it will be completely illegal by 2030. Businesses still using R‑22 equipment should plan for replacement or retrofitting.

(3) R‑134a (Tetrafluoroethane)

R‑134a is an HFC refrigerant that does not contain chlorine, so its ODP is zero. It is non‑toxic and non‑flammable, making it a popular choice for medium‑ and high‑temperature applications such as refrigerators, chillers, and automotive air conditioning. Its GWP is 1,430, which is considered moderate. While it is still widely used, R‑134a is being phased out in some regions due to its climate impact.

(4) R‑404A

R‑404A is a blend of HFC refrigerants commonly used in supermarket refrigeration, cold storage, and industrial freezers. It has zero ODP but a very high GWP of 3,922. While it offers excellent efficiency in low‑temperature applications, it is considered environmentally harmful and is being replaced by lower‑GWP alternatives.

(5) R‑410A (Puron)

R‑410A is an HFC blend used in many commercial air conditioning systems and some refrigeration equipment. It has zero ODP and a GWP of 2,088. It is non‑flammable and has been a popular replacement for R‑22. However, under EPA regulations, R‑410A is scheduled to be phased out by 2025 in the United States.

(6) R‑290 (Propane)

R‑290 is a hydrocarbon refrigerant made from propane. It has an ODP of zero and an exceptionally low GWP of just 3. It is highly efficient and is gaining popularity as a replacement for R‑22, R‑134a, and R‑404A in small to medium‑sized commercial equipment. Many ENERGY STAR certified appliances use R‑290. The main drawback is that it is mildly flammable, which requires special handling and safety precautions. Some shipping restrictions may also apply.

(7) R‑600a (Isobutane)

R‑600a is another hydrocarbon refrigerant, commonly used in residential and small commercial refrigerators. It has zero ODP and a GWP of just 3, making it one of the most environmentally friendly options available. It is highly efficient and cost‑effective. Like R‑290, it is flammable, so proper installation and handling are essential.

(8) R‑450A

R‑450A is an HFO blend developed as a direct replacement for R‑134a. It is non‑flammable and has a GWP of 547, significantly lower than R‑134a. It is well‑suited for refrigerators, beverage dispensers, vending machines, and water chillers. It offers good efficiency and is considered an eco‑friendly option.

(9) R‑513A (Opteon XP10)

R‑513A is an HFO refrigerant designed to replace R‑134a in commercial refrigeration and air conditioning. It has a GWP of approximately 573 and is non‑flammable. It provides similar performance to R‑134a while reducing the carbon footprint. It is a sustainable choice for businesses looking to comply with environmental regulations.

(10) R‑454B

R‑454B is a newer zeotropic blend developed as a replacement for R‑410A in air conditioning and heat pump applications. It has a GWP of 466 and is non‑toxic. It is somewhat flammable, so proper handling precautions are necessary. It is considered an environmentally friendly option with low ODP and lower GWP.

4. Choosing the Right Refrigerant for Your Business

Selecting the right refrigerant depends on several factors.

Consider the type of equipment you have. Older units may not be compatible with newer refrigerants without modification. Check the manufacturer’s specifications before making any changes.

Think about the temperature range you need. Some refrigerants perform better at low temperatures, while others are optimized for medium or high temperatures.

Evaluate environmental compliance. Many regions have banned or are phasing out high‑GWP refrigerants. Choosing a lower‑GWP option now can save you from costly retrofits later.

Factor in safety. Some eco‑friendly refrigerants are flammable. Ensure your facility is equipped to handle them safely.

5. About FlyCheng

Founded in 2010, FlyCheng Cooling Technology (Qingdao) Co., Ltd. designs and manufactures commercial and industrial ice making equipment that is compatible with a wide range of modern refrigerants. The company’s product lineup includes cube ice makers, flake ice machines, tube ice makers, and block ice machines, all built with food‑grade stainless steel and engineered for continuous operation.

FlyCheng works closely with customers to recommend the right refrigerant for their specific application and regulatory environment. With CE, RoHS, and ISO certifications, FlyCheng machines are designed to meet international quality and safety standards while delivering reliable performance day after day. As refrigerant regulations continue to evolve, FlyCheng stays ahead of the curve, offering equipment that is ready for the next generation of low‑GWP coolants.