Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine November 2022

HVACR NewsMagazine November 2022

Tech News

used but with the added benefit of boiling (evaporating) the refrigerant in the evaporator to absorb a maximum amount of heat as well as the change back to liquid (condensing) in the condenser. (There were also some forms of refrigeration that did NOT rely on compression but still used refrigerants like ammonia.) As times have progressed, refrigerants have changed to make them safer for humans and the environment. Nowadays, refrigerants and refrigerant handling in the USA are regulated by EPA Section 608. In order to handle and service air conditioning and refrigeration in the USA legally, you need to pass the EPA 608 exam and carry the certification card . So, what makes a good refrigerant?

That pretty much sums it up.

Because increased environmental regulations over the last 25 years, there has been a push to find “good” refrigerants that meet the above criteria, even if it means going into the flammable and toxic spectrum. Flammability and Toxicity Classifications Thankfully, refrigerants are well-marked. So long as we pay attention and follow best practices, there shouldn't be any issues. The markings are pretty simple: we have seen

• Class A refrigerants have low toxicity • Class B refrigerants have high toxicity

• Class 1 refrigerants have low flammability

• Class 2L refrigerants are only “mildly” flammable • Class 2 refrigerants are low flammability but higher than 2L

• Class 3 refrigerants are highly flammable

A Good Refrigerant: • Has high latent heat of vaporization (it moves a lot of heat per lb when it boils) • Boils and condenses at temperatures we can easily manipulate with compression (the pressures work) • Mixes with the oil appropriately so that the oil can do the job of lubricating the compressor and return.

• Doesn't blow stuff up or catch on fire

Doesn't poison people

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Doesn't hurt the environment

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