Refrigerant

By Anne Fonda

Refrigerant is a chemical cooling compound that absorbs and releases heat at different points in the heat exchange cycle as it runs throughout an HVAC system.

What is refrigerant?

Refrigerant is a chemical cooling agent used in air conditioners and heat pump to transfer heat from one area to another. Different types of refrigerants have different properties and capabilities, and it’s important to be aware of any applicable regulations before using them. Refrigerant runs through several components in an HVAC system, collecting and transferring heat energy as it goes. 

During your HVAC system’s heat exchange cycle, refrigerant changes state from liquid to gas and back again. This allows refrigerants to absorb heat energy and transfer it away from the refrigerated space, cooling it down in the process. Refrigerants can be divided into three main categories: CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons). HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons), and Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs). 

How does refrigerant work?

In an HVAC system, refrigerant is found inside the copper coils and runs through several components such as the condenser, compressor, evaporator, and expansion valve. During the refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant absorbs heat energy from the refrigerated space and then transfers it outside through a condenser coil.

It then passes through the compressor, where it is compressed into a high-pressure, high-temperature vapor before being passed through an evaporator, which cools the refrigerant down again. Finally, it is passed through an expansion valve to reduce its pressure before being sent back into the refrigerated space to start the cycle over again.

Watch this video on how HVAC systems work to learn more details on heating and cooling systems and refrigerant’s role in the process.

Which refrigerants are banned?

CFCs like R-22 have been phased out due to their ozone-depleting effects. Similarly, more recent HVAC industry regulations call for the phasing out of HFCs such as R-410A refrigerant because of their high global warming potential (GWP).

The newest refrigerants are HFOs. These refrigerants were developed due to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) phase-out of higher GWP refrigerants. HFOs have a lower GWP than HFCs or HCFCs, and they also have a zero-ozone depletion potential (ODP).

After months of research, Trane and other HVAC companies are transitioning to using a new refrigerant for our residential products called R-454B. It’s a blend of R-32, an HFC, and R-1234yf refrigerant, an HFO. R-454B is a next-generation refrigerant that will help build a more sustainable future without sacrificing comfort or efficiency.

We’ll be using a phased-in approach, starting with introducing new heat pumps and air conditioners which will use the new refrigerant. Check out this article for the full story behind Trane’s refrigerant transition.

How Trane handles refrigerants responsibly

90% of refrigerant emissions happen at the end of life with a refrigerant leak or when a unit is being replaced. In addition to transitioning to a more sustainable refrigerant, Trane also has a plan in place to encourage an increase in refrigerant reclamation through our Reclaim Program. Dealers simply bring refrigerant back to Trane Supply and swap for a new cylinder.

Questions about your HVAC system? Contact your local Trane Comfort Specialist for expert HVAC service, advice, and product recommendations.

Anne Fonda, Content Writer at Trane Technologies

A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.

She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.

Expert review by: Jeff Stewart, Refrigeration Chief Engineer