What are Hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerants?
Hydrocarbon refrigerants are a hot topic these days, but what exactly are they and how can they make a difference? Hydrocarbon refrigerants are natural alternatives to many of the toxic refrigerants in the world today. These refrigerants present fewer safety risks and provide a climate friendly alternative with a low global warming potential.
Hydrocarbon refrigerants are a next-generation refrigerant, rapidly finding their way into more systems throughout the world. HC refrigerants are primarily being used in commercial and domestic refrigerators and freezers, as well as air conditioning systems.
Hydrocarbons are some of the simplest elements of our planet. A hydrocarbon is simply a molecule made from hydrogen and carbon. Some commonly used hydrocarbon refrigerants include Propane (R-290), Isobutane (R600a) and Propylene (R1270). Other hydrocarbons exist, but propane and isobutane are some of the most popular HC refrigerants.
Regulations for all Refrigerants
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the use of refrigerants under SNAP (Significant New Alternatives Policy). This policy seeks to lower ozone depletion potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP) while also addressing toxicity, flammability, safety, and consumer health. Under SNAP policy, the EPA sets guidelines for what refrigerants are currently allowed and bans others for their toxicity or safety risks. Read More >>
