What is the standard refrigerant used in modern air conditioning systems?

The standard refrigerant used in modern air conditioning systems is R-410A. R-410A has become the preferred choice for new residential and commercial air conditioning units due to its efficiency and environmentally friendly properties. It operates at a higher pressure compared to older refrigerants and is designed to replace R-22, which is being phased out due to its ozone-depleting potential.

R-410A is a blend of two components, R-32 and R-125, and is non-ozone-depleting, making it more compliant with current environmental regulations. Its higher efficiency also means that systems utilizing R-410A can achieve better performance with lower energy consumption, contributing to reduced operating costs for consumers.

In contrast, refrigerants like R-22 and R-12 are either being phased out or greatly limited due to their negative environmental impacts. R-134A, while used in some systems, is not the standard in modern air conditioning applications primarily due to efficiency comparisons and regulatory standards. The choice of R-410A aligns with the industry's movement towards more sustainable and effective cooling solutions.