Types of Refrigerants Used in Commercial HVAC Explained
Written by: 1 Source Mechanical
The heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is the cornerstone of virtually any commercial environment. It's what not only regulates the temperature in a space, but that creates a comfortable area for people to live and work as they need, too.
One of the most important elements of such a system is the type of refrigerant used for the equipment itself. Understanding more about HVAC refrigerant, what it is, and why it matters is the key to fully appreciating the hard work that your system is doing daily.
What is an HVAC Refrigerant?
In a broad sense, the refrigerant in an HVAC system is used to transfer heat during the refrigeration cycle. It absorbs heat from the outdoor air, at which point that cool air can be released indoors. An HVAC system would be unable to function without it.
How HVAC Refrigerants Work
How HVAC refrigerants work will vary slightly depending on exactly which type of refrigerant you're talking about. In a general sense, though, the refrigerant will work in a continuous cycle with four main processes.
The first of those is evaporation, which is where the refrigerant absorbs heat from indoor air and evaporates. It will turn into a gas that then flows through the HVAC system's evaporator coil.
At that point, the refrigerant becomes highly pressurized and hot. That gas will then travel to the system's condenser coils, where the heat is released to the surrounding area. The refrigerant will start to cool, at which point it will turn back into a liquid.
That liquid will then pass through an expansion valve, which will reduce the pressure. Once the refrigerant has returned to its original state, the cycle will repeat for as long as the system is operational.
Types of Refrigerants
There are a few different types of refrigerant to choose from depending on your needs. They include but are certainly not limited to examples like the following.
R-12
This is a type of refrigerant that is commonly used in older HVAC systems. It has actually been phased out of use in most cases, as it has the potential to deplete the Ozone Layer and cause other environmental harm.
R-22
This is a type of refrigerant that is commonly used in air conditioners and heat pumps. It also has an environmental impact, but might still be needed sometimes when repairing older equipment.
R-134a
This is a type of refrigerant that is traditionally used in automotive air conditioning systems. It was originally introduced as a direct replacement for R-12 mentioned above.
R-290
This is a type of natural refrigerant, which is typically used in smaller refrigeration and air conditioning systems. This is a type of refrigerant that you'll most commonly see in Europe.
R-407c
This is an option that was designed as a replacement for R-22 in existing HVAC systems as needed.
R-410a
This is a commonly used type of refrigerant that is great for both residential and commercial HVAC systems due to its high energy efficiency.
R-450a
This is often looked at as something of a "transitional refrigerant." That is to say, it's better than what was previously available and will work until something new arrives.
R-450b
Originally developed as a replacement for R-22 in commercial HVAC systems, this is also being used as a traditional refrigerant.
R-454b
This is a newer type of refrigerant that was intended for use as a replacement for R-410a in many commercial situations.
R-513a
This is a type of refrigerant that is newer and is commonly used in commercial applications.
R-600a
This natural refrigerant is typically used in smaller refrigeration units. You'll see it used quite a bit in household refrigerators, for example.
Environmental Impact of HVAC Refrigerants
As mentioned above, refrigerants like R-12 and even R-22 have been proven to directly contribute to the depletion of the Ozone Layer. Because of this, refrigerants are often weighed against environmental considerations like their Ozone Depletion Potential, otherwise known as their ODP for short.
Other metrics that are used to rate a refrigerant include their Global Warming Potential or GWP, as well as their overall energy efficiency. Energy efficiency is particularly important, as it conveys the environmental impact a refrigerant has against its overall ability to efficiently transfer heat and otherwise perform as intended.
Proper Maintenance of HVAC Refrigerants
One of the biggest steps to take toward the proper maintenance of HVAC refrigerants has to do with checking for leaks in your equipment whenever possible. You can do this using not only electronic leak detectors but other processes like dye testing as well. It's important to note that even what initially appears to be a small leak can have a big impact on not only the overall efficiency of a commercial HVAC system but on the surrounding environment as well.
Equally important is the regular maintenance of all HVAC components. This includes but is not limited to the compressor, the condenser, the evaporator coils, and more. In addition to the use of high-quality refrigerant itself, all this goes a long way towards making sure the system is functioning properly and that it lasts as long as possible.
When servicing a commercial HVAC system, the importance of proper disposal of refrigerant cannot be overstated. Used or expired refrigerants should be disposed of responsibly according to local environmental regulations. Many refrigerants require specialized handling and recycling to prevent harm to the environment. Failure to do so could lead to significant penalties and can even be dangerous depending on the situation.
Need HVAC Repair? 1 Source Can Handle All of Your Refrigerant Needs!
1 Source Mechanical is proud of the reputation we've been able to earn as a leading commercial refrigeration and freezer services provider operating in Northern Illinois. Businesses depend on refrigeration to serve their customers, which is why we offer the reliable, flexible service you need to avoid the types of problems that will hold you back.
If you'd like to find out more information about the many different types of HVAC refrigerants that are available, or if you have any additional questions about HVAC repair that you'd like to go over with someone in a bit more detail, please don't hesitate to contact the 1 Source Mechanical team today.
