A Beginner’s Guide to Natural Refrigerants

Refrigeration systems with natural refrigerants are the future. As a homeowner, you should know what they are and how they play a role in HVAC units. 

In this article, we’ll dive into what natural refrigerants are. We’ll discuss why you should use them, the benefits you can consider, and what you can rely on. Let’s start. 

What Are Natural Refrigerants?

It’s critical to put first that natural refrigerants are not derived from nature. They are manufactured industrially. They are derived just like any other refrigerant. They are acknowledged as natural refrigerants because they are substances that occur directly in nature. 

Natural refrigerants are substances that take place naturally in the environment. They are used as alternatives to synthetic refrigerants. These elements do not deplete the ozone layer. They also have very low to zero global warming potential. 

They are considered more sustainable and climate-friendly. It is the case compared to hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants. More importantly, natural refrigerants are also part of nature’s biochemical processes. Their use gives a future-proof solution to the challenges of climate change. 

What Are Synthetic Refrigerants?

Synthetic refrigerants are artificial substances employed in cooling systems such as air conditioners. They are also acknowledged as fluorinated gasses. It is due to their fluorine content. While they provide adequate cooling, they have a negative environmental impact. This led to an increasing interest in alternatives such as natural refrigerants. 

What Is the Function of Refrigerant?

A refrigerant is a vital component of refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Its main functions area: 

1. Heat absorption 
2. Cooling 
3. Dehumidification 

Use of Natural Refrigerants: Benefits You Should Consider

Natural refrigerants are increasingly supported in use because: 

1. Environmental impact 

Natural refrigerants have zero Ozone Depletion Potential. They also have zero Global Warming Potential. It makes them more environmentally friendly. It is than synthetic refrigerants. Synthetic refrigerants can hugely impact global warming. 

2. Energy efficiency 

Some natural refrigerants are more energy efficient. It is when compared to their synthetic counterparts in specific applications. Thus, it renders lower operating costs. 

3. Regulatory compliance 

With increasing regulations worldwide aimed at phasing out high GWP refrigerants, using natural refrigerant aids. It helps businesses stay ahead of regulatory changes. 

4. Abundance and cost-effectiveness

Natural refrigerants are often abundantly available. They are also less expensive than synthetic ones. 

5. Future proof solution 

Natural refrigerants host environmental benefits. They are considered a future-proof solution to the challenges posed by climate change. 

Natural Refrigerants List

1. Carbon Dioxide (CO2, R-744)

Carbon dioxide has an ODP of zero. It has a GWP of one. And the element is virtually unlimited. It is also very cheap. Many industrial processes produce it as a by-product. 

It is suitable for compact air conditioning systems. It also works well deep freeze warehouses. Moreover,  refrigeration systems in supermarkets. 

Over the past decades, it has been acknowledged as a refrigerant, mainly in stationary applications. Yet, it can also be used for mobile air conditioning. CO2 refrigeration systems have become relatively compact. Thus, they can be employed for smaller output ranges.

2. Ammonia (NH3)

Ammonia is an inorganic compound also found in nature. It is hugely climate and environmentally friendly. It is cost-effective to produce. 

Ammonia has a 150-year track record of being a safe and effective refrigerant. In a world of changing regulations, it remains future-proof. 

It can be used for both heating and cooling. This element has a wide range of applications. It is from minus 45 degrees to an industry-leading 95 degrees. 

3. Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons consist only of carbon and hydrogen. Both have an ODP of zero and a GWP of three. They are inexpensive. They are also easy to acquire. Despite their flammability, they are easy to manage. They have already made a mark in factory-filled systems. Hundreds of millions of household refrigerators work with them as a refrigerant. 

Hydrocarbons also work in commercial refrigeration. They function in refrigerated counters, and ice machines. Also,  air dehumidifiers, and heat pumps.