- May 1, 2023
- 2 min read
Freon 22, also known as chlorodifluoromethane (R-22), is a type of refrigerant that has been commonly used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems for several decades. However, it has been found to have a negative impact on the environment, specifically on the Earth's ozone layer.
The ozone layer is a protective layer in the Earth's atmosphere that filters out harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Freon 22, when released into the atmosphere, can react with ozone and break it down, leading to the depletion of the ozone layer.
Due to this environmental concern, the production and import of Freon 22 has been phased out in many countries, including the United States, under the Montreal Protocol. In addition, the use of Freon 22 is also being phased out, and it is being replaced by more environmentally friendly refrigerants, such as R-410A and R-32, that have a lower impact on the ozone layer and are more energy-efficient.
Newer units will have Freon 410A, some units in 2024 will operate with Freon 454B.
Freon 410A is a type of refrigerant used in air conditioning systems. It is a blend of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) gases, consisting of difluoromethane (R-32) and pentafluoroethane (R-125).
Freon 410A is commonly used as a replacement for older refrigerants such as R-22, which has been phased out due to its harmful impact on the ozone layer. It is also more energy efficient and has a higher cooling capacity than R-22, making it a popular choice for new air conditioning installations.
However, it is important to note that like all refrigerants, Freon 410A is still a potent greenhouse gas and should be handled and disposed of properly to minimize its impact on the environment.
Freon 454B is a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerant, which is a type of refrigerant that has a very low global warming potential (GWP). It is manufactured by the Chemours company under the trade name Opteon XL41.
Freon 454B is a nonflammable and non-toxic refrigerant that is designed to replace hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants such as R-410A and R-32, which have a much higher GWP. It has a GWP of less than 2, which is significantly lower than many other refrigerants currently in use.
Freon 454B is primarily used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems, and it is compatible with the existing equipment and lubricants used in these systems. It is also being evaluated for use in other applications, such as foam blowing agents and aerosol propellants.


