EPA MVAC Practice Certification Prep — Official Study Guide & Practice Test

The choice of R-134a as a refrigerant known for having a lower environmental impact compared to traditional refrigerants is supported by its properties and effects on ozone depletion and global warming potential.

R-134a, or tetrafluoroethane, was developed as an alternative to ozone-depleting refrigerants such as R-12 (dichlorodifluoromethane), which is a significant contributor to ozone layer depletion. R-134a has a much lower ozone depletion potential (ODP) because it does not contain chlorine, which is primarily responsible for ozone layer damage.

In addition to its lower ODP, R-134a features a moderate global warming potential (GWP) compared to other refrigerants, although it is still higher than some newer alternatives. The reduced environmental impact of R-134a has made it a preferred choice in various applications within the refrigeration and air conditioning industries as regulations have evolved to promote the use of more environmentally friendly substances.

This contrasts with R-12 and R-22, both of which are more harmful to the environment due to their substantial ODP and higher GWPs. R-410A also has a significant GWP, although it is less harmful to the ozone layer,