As a specialist in the field of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), I have extensive knowledge about the systems and technologies used to maintain comfortable environments. Let's dive into the specifics of the refrigerants used in air conditioning systems.

Air conditioning systems are designed to provide thermal comfort and improve indoor air quality by controlling temperature, humidity, and air movement. The heart of an air conditioning system is the refrigeration cycle, which relies on a refrigerant to transfer heat from the interior space to the exterior.

Historically, the term "Freon" was a registered trademark of the DuPont company and was used to refer to a class of refrigerants known as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Dichloro-difluoromethane, or R-12, was one of the CFCs used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems. However, it's important to note that the use of CFCs has been phased out globally due to their impact on the ozone layer and their contribution to global warming.

The concern about the ozone depletion led to the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987, which aimed to phase out the production of numerous substances, including CFCs, that are responsible for ozone depletion. As a result, the air conditioning industry has transitioned to using alternative refrigerants that are more environmentally friendly.

Today, the most common refrigerants used in air conditioning systems are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and more recently, natural refrigerants such as ammonia (NH3), carbon dioxide (CO2), and hydrocarbons like propane (C3H8) and isobutane (C4H10). These alternatives are considered to have lower ozone depletion potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP) compared to CFCs.

HFCs, such as R-134a, have become a popular choice because they do not deplete the ozone layer. However, they still have a significant GWP, and there is ongoing research and development to find refrigerants with even lower GWPs.

The use of natural refrigerants has gained traction due to their low GWP and ODP. Propane and isobutane, for example, are considered to be very efficient and environmentally friendly options. However, they also come with their own set of safety considerations, such as flammability.

In summary, while "Freon" was once used as a term to describe CFCs in air conditioning systems, today's systems use a variety of refrigerants that are more environmentally friendly. The choice of refrigerant depends on factors such as efficiency, safety, environmental impact, and the specific requirements of the air conditioning system.

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We use Air Conditioning to improve thermal comfort and indoor air quality. So we use "Freon gas" In AC, which is merely a marked namae for dichlorodifluoromethane. It adds to ozone depletion and thus the Global warming effects. because, when the CFC escape from the unit it quickly rises up to the ozone layer.read more >>