What is the typical refrigerant used in residential air conditioning systems?

The typical refrigerant used in residential air conditioning systems today is R-410A. R-410A is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant that has become the standard for new residential systems due to its efficiency and environmentally friendly properties. It operates at a higher pressure than its predecessors, allowing for better cooling efficiency and reduced energy consumption.

Regulations have phased out older refrigerants like R-22 and R-12 due to their ozone-depleting potential. R-22, while still in use in older systems, is being phased out, and new systems are no longer manufactured to use it. R-12 has been banned for use in new systems for many years due to its significant impact on the ozone layer. R-134A is primarily used in automotive applications and is not commonly used as a refrigerant in residential air conditioning systems.

In summary, R-410A represents the modern standard for residential air conditioning refrigerants, focusing on efficiency and environmental safety.