Can You Use R-134 in a House's Air Conditioner?

Classification

• R-134a refrigerant is a member of the HFC family of refrigerants. HFC refrigerants are widely used to replace CFC and HCFC refrigerants. R-134a is non-toxic, non-corrosive and non-flammable. It's currently being used in newer automobile air conditioner systems. It's used as a propellant in the pharmaceutical industry, and in manufacturing, where it's used in plastic foam blowing.

About HFC Refrigerants

• HFC refrigerants such as R-134a and R-124 lack a chlorine atom and are not destructive to the ozone layer. They do, however, have a slight impact on global warming. They're safer for the ozone layer than CFC refrigerants, which were developed more than 70 years ago and ceased production in 1995. HFC refrigerants are still used today in residential air conditioners. Much of this equipment can last up to 30 years.

Consumer Role

• As a consumer, you can do your part to help stop ozone depletion by purchasing air conditioning equipment that uses R-134a and the newer refrigerant blends. Most units will be labeled "ozone friendly" and state the type of refrigerant used on the label. Avoid buying older equipment that uses CFC and HCFC refrigerants.

Future Applications

• In 2010, the production and import of HCFC-22 for newly manufactured equipment was banned. Production and import limits were set for its use in existing equipment. Between 2010 and 2020, both HCFC-22 and HCFC-142b will be limited to servicing existing equipment. In 2015, the sale and use of HCFC-22 will be banned except for transformation or servicing refrigerators and air conditioners. In 2020, the production of HCFC-22 will be completely banned in the U.S. This leaves HFCs and refrigerant blends as the only options available in the future.