Air conditioners, specifically those used in homes and buildings, do not release gases into the environment during normal operation. Instead, they use a closed-loop refrigeration system that circulates a refrigerant to transfer heat and cool the air.
The refrigerant used in most modern residential and commercial air conditioners is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant, which is a type of synthetic greenhouse gas. Common HFC refrigerants used in air conditioners include R-410A (Puron) and R-134a. These refrigerants have been chosen for their cooling properties and relatively low impact on the ozone layer compared to the older chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) and hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants that were phased out due to their ozone-depleting potential.
While HFCs do not deplete the ozone layer, they are still potent greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming when released into the atmosphere. As such, it is crucial to handle and dispose of refrigerants properly to prevent leaks and minimize their impact on the environment. When air conditioners are serviced or replaced, the refrigerant should be recovered and recycled or properly disposed of by licensed professionals to avoid environmental harm.