the most common gases used in refrigeration are:
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs): These include refrigerants like R-22, which were widely used in the past but are being phased out due to their ozone-depleting potential.
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs): These are the most prevalent refrigerants in use today, such as R-134a and R-410A. While they don't deplete the ozone layer, they have a high global warming potential (GWP), contributing to climate change.
Hydrocarbons (HCs): Propane (R-290) and isobutane (R-600a) are examples of hydrocarbon refrigerants that have gained popularity as environmentally friendly alternatives due to their low GWP and ozone-friendly properties.
Ammonia (R-717): Ammonia has been used in industrial refrigeration systems for a long time due to its excellent cooling properties and negligible impact on the ozone layer and global warming. However, it requires careful handling and is not suitable for household appliances.
Carbon dioxide (R-744): Carbon dioxide is another natural refrigerant gaining attention due to its low GWP and benign environmental impact. It is used in some commercial and industrial refrigeration systems.
Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs): These are a new class of refrigerants developed as alternatives to HFCs with significantly lower GWPs. Examples include R-1234yf and R-1234ze.
It's important to note that the refrigeration industry is continually evolving to address environmental concerns. New refrigerants are being developed and adopted to reduce the environmental impact of cooling systems, with a focus on low GWP and ozone-friendly options. Regulations and guidelines in different countries and regions also influence the choice of refrigerants used in various applications. For the most up-to-date information on refrigerants used nowadays, it's best to consult recent sources from the refrigeration and HVAC industry.