With more of an effort geared towards sustainability and eco-friendly products, it’s important to know what harmful toxins may be a part of our everyday lives. Sometimes we don’t even realize how harmful ingredients or products are to our environment and our body— refrigerants are an example of that.
What are refrigerants?
You can get a hint from the name — it kind of sounds like “refrigerator.” A refrigerant is a liquid used in the refrigeration cycle which helps keep things cool. It’s commonly found in AC units and refrigerators, it absorbs heat in the environment and in return provides cool air.
Why are refrigerants bad for the environment and the human body?
Many refrigerants are known to cause damage to the ozone layer and some are extremely potent greenhouse gasses.
CFCs and HCFCs are the most harmful because they contain chlorine. They have a long life cycle, which means they can accumulate in the air. When it comes in contact with sunlight it releases chlorine in the air which actively destroys oxygen, resulting in damage to the ozone layer.
Refrigerants are not only harmful to the environment, but they can also be harmful to human health. When refrigerants leak from air conditioning units or refrigerators, they can release toxic fumes that can cause respiratory problems, headaches, and even death in extreme cases. Therefore, it’s important to not only use eco-friendly refrigerants but also to properly maintain and repair refrigeration systems to prevent leaks.
Are all refrigerants harmful?
Not quite. Some refrigerants can be less harmful and achieve a balance between cooling efficiency and environmental protection.
For example, R40, R32, R717, R600A, and R290 are thought of as more environmentally friendly. R32 is tested up to 690 times cleaner than traditional air conditioning refrigerant.
Characteristics of Possible Next-Generation Refrigerants (for Residential and Commercial Air Conditioners) (Source: Daikin-Low Environmental Impact Refrigerants)
What can I do to make sure I’m not contributing to the problem?
A good way to do this is to educate yourself and pay close attention to the refrigerants used. It’s important to only use trusted brands that use eco-friendly refrigerants.
At TOSOT, our air conditioners use R32 refrigerants, which are known for being environmentally friendly and do not contribute much to ozone damage.
Our latest Aomi 14,000 BTU Smart Portable AC, featuring R32 refrigerant, not only consumes less energy but also maintains high levels of efficiency. This means you can enjoy powerful cooling, heating, fan, and dry functions without harming the environment.
By obtaining AHRI certification and complying with the new SEER2 energy efficiency standards, TOSOT WiFi Enabled Mini-Split ACs can save up to 50% of energy consumption compared to SEER 10 models. Additionally, the use of inverter technology can minimize efficiency losses caused by frequent on-and-off cycling. These features make Mini-Split ACs the preferred choice for energy-saving and environmental protection, while also providing users with peace of mind, electricity savings, and reduced air conditioning costs.
Ultimately, it’s up to companies to start being responsible and choosing refrigerants that are eco-friendly. For now, consumers can be knowledgeable and mindful of the things they buy to be sure they aren’t contributing to the problem.
Use information at your own risk: The information presented is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical or home improvement advice. The information and suggestions should be discussed with a professional. You are responsible for independently verifying the information if you intend to rely upon or use it in any way. You use all information at your own risk.
