Refrigerants are substances that change from liquid to gas to lower the temperature of the appliance. This chemical process is used repeatedly in refrigerators, air conditioners, and other machines to keep the contents inside cool at all times.

Different refrigerants are used depending on the location, type of machine, and application of the item being refrigerated. The following are the characteristics that a good refrigerant should have.

The boiling point of the substance used as a refrigerant should be within a specific range suitable for the machine in which it is used. Refrigerants with lower boiling points tend to have better cooling capacity. Refrigerants with higher boiling points tend to be more efficient and can work well in smaller machines. Most refrigerants have boiling points between -27.4 and -49 degrees Fahrenheit, although some have boiling points as high as 48.2 degrees Fahrenheit.

If no toxicity is found at concentrations below 400 parts per million, the refrigerant is classified as a Class A refrigerant. If toxicity is found in this small amount, the substance is a Class B refrigerant. Class 1 refrigerants are completely non-flammable, Class 2 are moderately flammable, and Class 3 substances are highly flammable.

A good refrigerant has the right combination of safety and functionality. For example, in ordinary household refrigerators, Class A and Class 1 substances are used. In industrial environments where more safety measures are in place and more refrigeration is required, Class B and Class 2 refrigerants are often used.

The refrigerant must be a stable substance that will not decompose under the pressure and temperature of the refrigeration system. Less stable substances can swell, embrittle or dissolve plastics used in motor and system seals. 

Refrigerants should also not react chemically with lubricants and other substances in the refrigerator. Initially, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were used as refrigerants until they were found to be unstable in contact with ozone particles in the upper atmosphere.

Good refrigerants are odorless at low concentrations, so appliances are always chemical-free. This refrigerant also has a distinct odor at higher concentrations, so when chemical leaks occur in equipment, they can be quickly identified. Many refrigerants leak with an odor similar to carbon tetrachloride, which smells like chemicals used in dry cleaners.

The above describes the characteristics that high-quality refrigerants should have. If you need to buy high-quality refrigerants, please contact us.

Fotech is a refrigerant manufacturer with over 15 years of experience. We offer the widest range of products on the market including HCFC, HFC, HC, and natural refrigerants in a variety of package sizes (including cylinders, drums, and bulk) for heat exchange in a wide range of air conditioning refrigeration equipment. Fotech supports and complies with regulations to help you select suitable alternatives with less environmental impact, while still providing effective cooling and cooling capacity.