{"id":19284,"date":"2026-08-04T06:49:15","date_gmt":"2026-08-04T06:49:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flycheng.com\/?p=19284"},"modified":"2026-08-04T07:02:57","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T07:02:57","slug":"what-are-the-main-types-of-refrigerants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flycheng.com\/es\/what-are-the-main-types-of-refrigerants\/","title":{"rendered":"\u00bfCu\u00e1les son los principales tipos de refrigerantes?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">\u00cdndice<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Tabla de contenidos\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseprofile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/flycheng.com\/es\/what-are-the-main-types-of-refrigerants\/#1_What_Is_Refrigerant_and_How_Does_It_Work\" >1.\u00a0 What Is Refrigerant and How Does It Work?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/flycheng.com\/es\/what-are-the-main-types-of-refrigerants\/#2_How_Refrigerants_Are_Measured_for_Environmental_Impact\" >2. How Refrigerants Are Measured for Environmental Impact<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/flycheng.com\/es\/what-are-the-main-types-of-refrigerants\/#3_Types_of_Refrigerants_Used_in_Commercial_Equipment\" >3. Types of Refrigerants Used in Commercial Equipment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/flycheng.com\/es\/what-are-the-main-types-of-refrigerants\/#4_Choosing_the_Right_Refrigerant_for_Your_Business\" >4. Choosing the Right Refrigerant for Your Business<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/flycheng.com\/es\/what-are-the-main-types-of-refrigerants\/#5_About_FlyCheng\" >5. About FlyCheng<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div class=\"ds-virtual-list-items _6f2c522\">\n<div class=\"ds-virtual-list-visible-items\">\n<div class=\"_4f9bf79 d7dc56a8 _43c05b5\" data-virtual-list-item-key=\"216\">\n<div class=\"ds-message _63c77b1\">\n<div class=\"ds-markdown ds-assistant-message-main-content\">\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">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\u2011friendly options, businesses must understand what is available and what works best for their specific needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_What_Is_Refrigerant_and_How_Does_It_Work\"><\/span><strong><span class=\"\">1.\u00a0 What Is Refrigerant and How Does It Work?<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Here is how the process works step by step:<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">(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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">(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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">(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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">(4) The hot, high\u2011pressure 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">(5) The liquid refrigerant returns to the expansion device, and the cycle repeats.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_How_Refrigerants_Are_Measured_for_Environmental_Impact\"><\/span><strong><span class=\"\">2. How Refrigerants Are Measured for Environmental Impact<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Not all refrigerants are created equal when it comes to their effect on the environment. Two key measurements are used to evaluate them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"\">\u00a0measures 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/ghgemissions\/understanding-global-warming-potentials\"><strong><span class=\"\">Global Warming Potential (GWP)<\/span><\/strong><\/a><span class=\"\">\u00a0measures how much a refrigerant contributes to global warming compared to carbon dioxide over a 100\u2011year period. The higher the GWP, the more harmful the refrigerant is to the climate. CO\u2082 has a GWP of 1. Refrigerants with GWP values in the thousands are considered high\u2011impact and are being replaced.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Types_of_Refrigerants_Used_in_Commercial_Equipment\"><\/span><strong><span class=\"\">3. Types of Refrigerants Used in Commercial Equipment<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Below is a breakdown of the most common refrigerants found in commercial refrigeration and air conditioning systems.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">(1) R\u201112 (Dichlorodifluoromethane)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">R\u201112 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\u201112 was banned in 1994. It is no longer used in new equipment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">(2) R\u201122 (Chlorodifluoromethane)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">R\u201122 was developed as a temporary replacement for R\u201112 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\u201122 ceased in 2020, and it will be completely illegal by 2030. Businesses still using R\u201122 equipment should plan for replacement or retrofitting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">(3) R\u2011134a (Tetrafluoroethane)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">R\u2011134a is an HFC refrigerant that does not contain chlorine, so its ODP is zero. It is non\u2011toxic and non\u2011flammable, making it a popular choice for medium\u2011 and high\u2011temperature 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\u2011134a is being phased out in some regions due to its climate impact.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">(4) R\u2011404A<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/flycheng.com\/es\/r404a-vs-r134a-whats-the-difference\/\">R\u2011404A<\/a> 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\u2011temperature applications, it is considered environmentally harmful and is being replaced by lower\u2011GWP alternatives.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">(5) R\u2011410A (Puron)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">R\u2011410A 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\u2011flammable and has been a popular replacement for R\u201122. However, under<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/snap\/fact-sheet-snap-determination-acceptability-notice-39[reference:0]\"> EPA regulations<\/a>, R\u2011410A is scheduled to be phased out by 2025 in the United States.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">(6) R\u2011290 (Propane)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">R\u2011290 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\u201122, R\u2011134a, and R\u2011404A in small to medium\u2011sized commercial equipment. Many ENERGY STAR certified appliances use R\u2011290. The main drawback is that it is mildly flammable, which requires special handling and safety precautions. Some shipping restrictions may also apply.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">(7) R\u2011600a (Isobutane)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">R\u2011600a 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\u2011effective. Like R\u2011290, it is flammable, so proper installation and handling are essential.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">(8) R\u2011450A<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">R\u2011450A is an HFO blend developed as a direct replacement for R\u2011134a. It is non\u2011flammable and has a GWP of 547, significantly lower than R\u2011134a. It is well\u2011suited for refrigerators, beverage dispensers, vending machines, and water chillers. It offers good efficiency and is considered an eco\u2011friendly option.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">(9) R\u2011513A (Opteon XP10)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">R\u2011513A is an HFO refrigerant designed to replace R\u2011134a in commercial refrigeration and air conditioning. It has a GWP of approximately 573 and is non\u2011flammable. It provides similar performance to R\u2011134a while reducing the carbon footprint. It is a sustainable choice for businesses looking to comply with environmental regulations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><strong><span class=\"\">(10) R\u2011454B<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">R\u2011454B is a newer zeotropic blend developed as a replacement for R\u2011410A in air conditioning and heat pump applications. It has a GWP of 466 and is non\u2011toxic. It is somewhat flammable, so proper handling precautions are necessary. It is considered an environmentally friendly option with low ODP and lower GWP.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Choosing_the_Right_Refrigerant_for_Your_Business\"><\/span><strong><span class=\"\">4. Choosing the Right Refrigerant for Your Business<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Selecting the right refrigerant depends on several factors.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Consider the type of equipment you have. Older units may not be compatible with newer refrigerants without modification. Check the manufacturer&#8217;s specifications before making any changes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Think about the temperature range you need. Some refrigerants perform better at low temperatures, while others are optimized for medium or high temperatures.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Evaluate environmental compliance. Many regions have banned or are phasing out high\u2011GWP refrigerants. Choosing a lower\u2011GWP option now can save you from costly retrofits later.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">Factor in safety. Some eco\u2011friendly refrigerants are flammable. Ensure your facility is equipped to handle them safely.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_About_FlyCheng\"><\/span><strong><span class=\"\">5. About FlyCheng<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">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&#8217;s product lineup includes cube ice makers, flake ice machines, tube ice makers, and block ice machines, all built with food\u2011grade stainless steel and engineered for continuous operation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"ds-markdown-paragraph\"><span class=\"\">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\u2011GWP coolants.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ds-flex _0a3d93b\">\n<div class=\"ds-flex _965abe9 _54866f7\">\n<div class=\"ds-button ds-button--iconLabelTertiary ds-button--icon ds-button--capsule ds-button--xs ds-button--icon-relative-l db183363\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">\n<div class=\"ds-button__background\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"ds-button__icon ds-button__icon--last-child\">\n<div class=\"ds-icon\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ds-button ds-button--iconLabelTertiary ds-button--icon ds-button--capsule ds-button--xs ds-button--icon-relative-l db183363\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n<div class=\"ds-button__background\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"ds-button__icon ds-button__icon--last-child\">\n<div class=\"ds-icon\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ds-button ds-button--iconLabelTertiary ds-button--icon ds-button--capsule ds-button--xs ds-button--icon-relative-l db183363\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">\n<div class=\"ds-button__background\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"ds-button__icon ds-button__icon--last-child\">\n<div class=\"ds-icon\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ds-button ds-button--iconLabelTertiary ds-button--icon ds-button--capsule ds-button--xs ds-button--icon-relative-l db183363\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">\n<div class=\"ds-button__background\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"ds-button__icon ds-button__icon--last-child\">\n<div class=\"ds-icon\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ds-button ds-button--iconLabelTertiary ds-button--icon ds-button--capsule ds-button--xs ds-button--icon-relative-l db183363\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">\n<div class=\"ds-button__background\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"ds-button__icon ds-button__icon--last-child\">\n<div class=\"ds-icon\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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\u2011friendly options, businesses must understand what is available and&#8230;<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":19289,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[81],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19284","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ice-stewardship"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/flycheng.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19284","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/flycheng.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/flycheng.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flycheng.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flycheng.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19284"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/flycheng.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19284\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19294,"href":"https:\/\/flycheng.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19284\/revisions\/19294"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flycheng.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19289"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/flycheng.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19284"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flycheng.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19284"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flycheng.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19284"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}