If, for you, the summer is the hottest period and you would like to be cool, all you need to do is switch on the air conditioner. Do you realize that even magical apparatuses like air conditioners contain technical inner stuff that allows them to blow cool air?
A/C uses special refrigerant gases that undergo repeated changes from liquid to gas and back to create the cooling effect. Now, which gas is used in ac? There are different types of refrigerant gases available for the AC service. Deliberate use of proper refrigerant gas is the key to delivering the AC service in Delhi to meet its climatic conditions.
This blog will lead you through the AC gas types that are used most often and the ACs they’re used in. So read on to learn all about the gases that power your cooling comfort!
Table of Contents
What is the AC gas or refrigerant?
AC gas, also known as a refrigerant, is a substance that easily transforms between liquid and gas during its course of work. The refrigerant inside the air conditioner changes phases, absorbs the heat, and collects it to produce the cool air we experience. Some properties that ideal AC refrigerants should have are:
- Quickly evaporates and condenses
- Transfers heat effectively
- Environmentally friendly
- Non-toxic
- Non-flammable
Over the years, different gases have been used in ACs. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are widely used as they cause less damage to the ozone layer.
Different Types of AC Gas/Refrigerant
There are several main options for which gas is used in ac systems and air conditioners. The most suitable refrigerant gas contributes to the operating system’s efficiency, performance, and environmental issues.
Most modern air conditioners do not use refrigerants that harm the ozone layer. Now, let us see which gas is used in an air conditioner.
R22 Refrigerant
For a long period of time, the R22 refrigerant was the one that used AC gas. Its scientific name is HCFC-22 (chlorodifluoromethane), a compound classified as an HCFC. R22 gas is superb cooling equipment but, unfortunately, leads to ozone layer depletion. Therefore, as the world becomes more conscious of the environment, R22 is being phased out globally under the Montreal Protocol. While many older model air conditioners use R22 gas, the number of new installations using R22 is small.
R32 Refrigerant Gas
R32 refrigerant (difluoromethane) has now become the dominant refrigerant used in new type split and inverter ACs. It offers the best heat exchange abilities to produce a strong cooling effect. This is a significant advantage because R32 gas has no ozone depletion potential, making it much friendlier for the environment.
The disadvantage is that this refrigerant is flammable. Hence, attention is required during manufacturing and servicing. However, strict standards are applied to the gas that is filled in AC to guarantee homes and appliances are operating in a safe manner.
R410A
As opposed to R22, R410A does not damage the ozone layer and is a great alternative to R22 types of AC gas. It is a mixture of two HFC refrigerant gases – R32 and R125, with a ratio of 50/50 that is blended. The R410a gas offers outstanding performance characteristics and is chosen for many split ACs. However, it has limitations when used in special AC designs, like inverter ACs.
Chlorofluorocarbons or R12
CFC refrigerants contain chlorine, so they cause major damage to the ozone layer. R12 (Freon/CFC-12) gas was once extensively used in car and home air conditioners. However, India and 100+ countries banned R12 under the Montreal Protocol after 2010 due to its high ozone depletion potential.
HCs, or hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbon gases like R290 (propane) are extremely environment-friendly with no ozone impact. Additionally, they offer very high cooling capacity. However, hydrocarbons are highly flammable, which greatly restricts their usage. Still, R290 is commonly used in small window air conditioners.
Types of AC and Their Gas
Things like AC design, size, and performance determine which gas is filled in the AC system. The air conditioner employs various refrigerant gases, which travel through coils and compressors and cool the air. Let’s look at which gases in AC are used in common AC types:
Which gas is used in split AC?
Split ACs come with an outer condenser and an inner evaporator that are connected by copper pipes. R32 gas for refrigerant is widely used in brand-new split ACs to manage high-efficiency cooling and powerful heat transfer. The predominant makers of split ACs, such as Voltas, LG, Samsung, and Daikin, are in the practice of shifting to R32 gas as it does not damage the ozone layer. The same applies to split ventilation systems that still use the R22 or R410A gases.
Which gas is used in window AC?
Windows AC units are portable and can be easily set through a hole in the wall. Most of the ones available on the market use flammable hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons are the best medium for heat transfer due to their high heat transfer capacity. However, flammability issues restrict the quantity of gas used, limiting window units to smaller 1- or 1.5-tonne capacities. Still, they provide good cooling from their outside placement.
Which gas is used in inverter AC?
Inverter ACs provide variable cooling by changing the compressor speed to match the temperature. They are designed for maximum efficiency using the latest technology. All inverter AC models from popular brands exclusively use R32 refrigerant for peak working capacity and lower electricity bills. Some older inverter ACs contain R410a gas, but R32 is now universal in new systems for top eco-friendly performance.
Which Gas is used in AC – Conclusion
We have studied which gas is used in AC for cooling in the market that is environmentally friendly and suits ACs. The AC sector is cutting down on ozone-depleting gases previously used and looking for more eco-friendly substitutes, such as R32. The technology of air conditioner refrigerants is constantly being developed for better use, performance, and sustainability every year.
Correct installation and maintenance of gas supplies is essential to keep the air in your home or office at a peak efficiency level and to ensure optimum gas supply. For the best AC service, sales, or repairs in Delhi, NCR, contact the experts at Keyvendors.
Keyvendors provides exceptional service for installing new ACs with the latest green refrigerant technology. We also offer maintenance contracts for refilling AC gas, fixing leaks, changing filters, cleaning, etc. Our skilled technicians handle all AC brands. Visit or call Keyvendors now for all your air conditioning needs!
FAQs: About AC Gas Types
Which gas is mostly used in AC?
R32 (HFC-32) refrigerant gas is now most widely used in all new air conditioners globally, including split ACs and inverter ACs, due to its high cooling performance, zero ozone layer depletion, and low global warming impact.
Which AC gas is not harmful?
R32 and R290 non-ozone-depleting gases have the minimum global warming effect and are the best environmentally friendly air conditioning gases. All of the new product lines are now R32 refrigerant-compatible.
How much gas is in a 1.5-tonne AC?
Approximately 88-105.6 pounds (2.5–3 kg) of R32 refrigerant gas will charge a 1.5-tonne inverter split AC.
What is the full name of R32 gas?
The full IUPAC name of the R32 refrigerant is difluoromethane. Its chemical formula is CH2F2.
When should we refill AC gas?
If the cooling performance of your AC deteriorates or it starts making abnormal sounds, get your AC serviced and gas topped up by an expert. Refilling needs are higher if there is a refrigerant leak. Annual maintenance can ensure optimum gas levels.