The most commonly used gas in refrigerators today is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) known as R-134a. R-134a is a colorless gas that does not contain chlorine, making it ozone-friendly. It has been widely used as a refrigerant in domestic and commercial refrigeration systems since the 1990s.
However, it's important to note that there have been efforts to phase out certain HFCs, including R-134a, due to their high global warming potential (GWP). HFCs contribute to greenhouse gas emissions when released into the atmosphere. In recent years, there has been a global push to transition to more environmentally friendly refrigerants with lower GWPs.
One such refrigerant gaining popularity as a replacement for R-134a is R-600a, also known as isobutane. R-600a is a hydrocarbon refrigerant with significantly lower GWP compared to HFCs. It is considered more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. R-600a is being used in many newer refrigerator models, particularly those designed to meet energy efficiency standards.
It's worth noting that the specific refrigerant used in a refrigerator can vary depending on the manufacturer, model, and regional regulations. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult the appliance's documentation or contact the manufacturer to confirm the type of refrigerant used in a particular refrigerator.