Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) are a new generation of refrigerants composed of hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon. They are an eco-friendly alternative developed to replace harmful refrigerants previously used in HVAC systems. They offer high efficiency and a more sustainable solution for modern air conditioners, heat pumps, and refrigeration systems.
How Eco-Friendly Are Hydrofluoroolefins?
Previously used refrigerants such as R-22 and R-410A have high global warming potentials (GWPs), meaning they contribute significantly to climate change when released into the atmosphere. As a result, regulatory bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have mandated that HVAC manufacturers transition to more environmentally responsible refrigerants.
HFOs were developed to comply with these regulations while maintaining efficient heating and cooling performance. One popular blend of HFO and HFC (hydrofluorocarbon) is R-454B refrigerant, which is expected to be used in most systems in the coming years.
Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) provide significant benefits:
- They have zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and a very low global warming potential (GWP). R-454B has a GWP of 466, making it a significantly more climate-friendly option compared to R-22 (GWP 1810) and R-410A (GWP 2088).
- HFOs have low toxicity levels, making them safer to handle than older refrigerants.
- In addition to their environmental advantages, HFO refrigerants are highly energy-efficient, allowing HVAC systems to operate more efficiently with lower energy consumption and improved overall system performance.
As global climate regulations continue to tighten, the adoption of hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) is expected to grow rapidly. HVAC manufacturers are actively developing new systems optimized for HFO refrigerants. R-454B has emerged as a new industry standard for residential HVAC equipment, positioning HFOs to play a major role in reducing the carbon footprint and supporting long-term sustainability goals.
