What is the common refrigerant used in residential HVAC systems?

The most commonly used refrigerant in residential HVAC systems is R-410A. This refrigerant was developed as a replacement for R-22 due to its improved energy efficiency and environmental safety. R-410A operates at a higher pressure than R-22, which enables better consistency in cooling and improved energy efficiency in air conditioning systems. Furthermore, R-410A does not deplete the ozone layer, making it a more environmentally friendly choice.

In contrast, while R-22 was widely used in older systems, its production has been phased out due to its ozone-depleting properties, leading to R-410A becoming the standard for new installations. R-134A is typically used in automotive air conditioning systems and not commonly found in residential settings. R-404A, on the other hand, is primarily utilized in commercial refrigeration applications and not residential HVAC systems. Thus, R-410A stands out as the prevalent refrigerant for residential HVAC, emphasizing its efficiency and eco-friendliness in modern applications.