Common Misconceptions About Cooling Gases

Entrance

Refrigerants are used in a wide range of applications, from air conditioners and refrigerators to commercial cooling systems and automotive air conditioning. However, there are some common misconceptions about these gases. Having accurate and reliable information is crucial for both safe use and reducing environmental impact.

In this article, we cover the most common misconceptions and true facts about refrigerants.

Myth 1: All Refrigerants Damage the Ozone Layer

❌ False: Some older generation refrigerants, such as HFC and HCFC gases, damage the ozone layer.
✅ True: New generation gases such as R-32, R-290, R-600a and CO₂ (R-744) do not harm the ozone layer and have a lower environmental impact.

Myth 2: Refrigerants Are Inexhaustible and Don't Need to Be Replaced Regularly

❌ False: Filling the refrigerants once is sufficient for the life of the system.
✅ True: Refrigerant levels can decrease due to leaks, system malfunctions, or misuse, and may need to be replenished over time. Leaks can be prevented with regular maintenance.

Myth 3: More Refrigerant Provides Better Cooling

❌ False: Adding more gas to the air conditioner or refrigerator will give better performance.
✅ True: Excess gas increases pressure, reduces cooling efficiency, and can cause system damage . Using the correct amount of gas is critical to the system's efficient operation.

Myth 4: All Refrigerants Are the Same, Different Gases Can Be Used Interchangeably

❌ False: Any refrigerant can be added to the existing system.
✅ Correct: Refrigerants are specifically determined by the system design . Using the wrong refrigerant can lead to system malfunctions and safety risks.

Myth 5: Refrigerants Are Harmless to Human Health

❌ False: Refrigerant gases do not cause any harm when inhaled or in contact with the skin.
✅ True: Breathing high concentrations can cause dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath . Some gases can cause frostbite when in contact with the skin.

Myth 6: Gas Leaks Fix Itself

❌ False: Small gas leaks close spontaneously or go unnoticed.
✅ True: Gas leaks can grow over time, reduce system performance, and cause environmental damage . Regular maintenance is essential for leak detection.

Myth 7: Old Refrigerants Can Continue to Be Used

❌ False: Gases such as R-22 and R-404A can still be used and do not need to be replaced.
✅ True: Many countries have banned older generation gases due to their environmental hazards . A transition to newer generation gases with lower GWP is needed .

Conclusion

Having accurate information about refrigerants is crucial for both ensuring efficient appliance operation and reducing environmental impact. Operating with inaccurate information can lead to both safety issues and system failures .