Which Gas is Used in Split AC?

Even though I care about the environment, I find it very difficult to live comfortably in Delhi during the summer without an air conditioner (AC). But, before refilling gas in my split AC, I researched which gas is used in air conditioner that wouldn't harm the environment. I found that the most often used gas in split air conditioning systems is hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), such as R-410A.

NoBroker AC Services

Get leak diagnosis, gas recharge, deep cleaning of AC filters, coils & more for efficient cooling.

Hire Expert AC Technician

180-Days Warranty

Book Now

Which Gas Used in AC is Safe?

Shobha listed a wide variety of gases that are used in AC above. However, nowadays, there has been a global shift in favour of using HFCs as refrigerants in modern air conditioning units.

When I did my research on split AC gas name, I discovered that HFCs, such as R-410A, R-134A, and R-32, have a much smaller effect on the ozone layer than CFCs and HCFCs.

• I also found that an environmentally acceptable substitute that lessens the environmental effect of air conditioners is R-410A.

• R-410A has excellent energy efficiency. Indoor spaces cool more quickly and effectively due to this refrigerant's superior capacity to absorb and release heat compared to older refrigerants.

• This refrigerant reduces electricity bills and is safer for the environment and people who come into contact with it.

Ultimately, R-410A is the recommended gas for split air conditioning systems because of its higher energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. I hope you get an idea of which gas used in Split AC.

Especially during the summer, the majority of us use air conditioning units to keep cool and comfortable. I had studied in school that refrigerant, a fluid, gas, or liquid, is used by air conditioning systems to absorb heat from a space and expel the hot air outside. It would be fascinating to know that there wouldn't be any refrigeration, freezing, or air conditioning technologies without refrigerants. You may be wondering

which gas is used in split AC

now that some refrigerants are harmful to the environment and may cause global warming. I will tell you about it in my answer here.

What is a split AC gas?

A refrigerant is a substance that is used in refrigerators and air conditioners to remove heat from the space or the content of a refrigerator and expel it into the atmosphere. When a refrigerant absorbs heat, it changes phases, going from a liquid to a gas and then back to a liquid. Based on its advantageous thermodynamic characteristics, non-corrosive makeup, and safety, the optimum refrigerant is chosen (non-toxic and non-flammable).

Types of split AC gas

Let's find out which gas is used in AC over the years.

• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs):

  In the past, a CFC, more generally known as Freon, was the most widely used refrigerant. The R-12 refrigerant was sold under the trade name Freon by Dupont.

• Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs):

  The most popular HCFC (hydrochlorofluorocarbon) used to replace CFCs in the 1990s and 2000s is R-22. R-22 has a little superior performance than CFC due to its chlorine content.

• Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs):

  Manufacturers developed a different class of refrigerants known as HFCs to eliminate chlorine from the refrigerant (or HydroFluroCarbons). Despite the possibility of global warming, they are still preferable to HCFCs because they do not harm the ozone layer.

• Hydrocarbons (HC):

  R-290 and R-600A are currently the most eco-friendly refrigerants which are offered on the market. They are HC or hydrocarbon, and the chemical names for R-290 and R-600A are propane and iso-butane, respectively. They have the lowest potential for global warming, are fully halogen-free, and do not deplete the ozone layer. 

Now you know

which gas is used in split AC.