Mitsubishi Air Conditioners in Ann Arbor – What Is Refrigerant?

A refrigerant is a chemical used in cooling systems for mechanical devices such as refrigerators, walk-in freezers, or air conditioners. Most refrigeration units depend on the chemical reactions of refrigerant gas to remove heat from an enclosed area. There are actually numerous gases that have been used as refrigerants. Early refrigerants were highly toxic and dangerous chemicals. The modern gases that replaced them are safer, but many can have a damaging effect on the global environment.

Artificial refrigeration using mechanical and chemical processes was developed in the 19th century. Chemists had long known that some chemical reactions absorb or divert heat, lowering the temperature in a given area. The food and beverage industry of the time needed an alternative to costly and inefficient refrigeration methods involving the transport and storage of ice. Inventors such as American Thaddeus Lowe created complex systems using chemicals to draw heat from enclosed areas, creating a refrigerated compartment. Most of these systems involved some form of refrigerant gas.

Continuing advances in refrigeration technology have produced safe alternative refrigerants and efficient machines that require a fraction of the refrigerant chemicals used by older units. The older refrigerants are still required, however, for older devices that are still in use, such as in cars or industrial freezers. These cannot be converted to modern refrigerants without prohibitive expense. Government bodies such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency have strict regulations on the use and disposal of refrigerants. Individuals requiring the maintenance of refrigeration units should always consult with a qualified technician.