HFCs are factory-made chemicals primarily used in air conditioning, refrigeration, and foam insulation, and they can be up to 10,000 times more potent than carbon dioxide in contributing to climate change. Absent ambitious action to limit their use, emissions of HFCs are expected to nearly triple in the U.S. by 2030.
Phasing down HFCs presents not only a huge climate opportunity, but also one of the biggest opportunities to cut energy costs for consumers. HVAC, water heating, and refrigeration systems are the largest energy end-use in buildings, using nearly 50% of all energy in U.S. commercial and residential buildings.
www.energy.gov/eere/build-ings/road-zero-does-next-generation-heating-and-cooling-rd-strategy
Phasing down HFCs presents not only a huge climate opportunity, but also one of the biggest opportunities to cut energy costs for consumers. HVAC, water heating, and refrigeration systems are the largest energy end-use in buildings, using nearly 50% of all energy in U.S. commercial and residential buildings.
www.energy.gov/eere/build-ings/road-zero-does-next-generation-heating-and-cooling-rd-strategy
What are hydrocarbon refrigerants?
Naturally occurring hydrocarbon refrigerants, like R290, has many properties that some may think hydrocarbons are new, they have actually been used for over 150 years. Natural refrigerant gasses don’t contribute to the global warming and ozone layer destruction, and so helps preserve our people and nature. In addition, a refrigerator with hydrocarbon needs 80 grams of gas to run - but a refrigerator with hydrofluorocarbon consumes 200 grams. This difference represents a 60% reduction in the consumption of refrigerant fluids.
