Which refrigerant is primarily used in new residential air conditioning systems?

In recent years, HFC-410A has become the predominant refrigerant used in new residential air conditioning systems due to its efficiency and performance characteristics. It is a hydrofluorocarbon blend that does not deplete the ozone layer, making it a more environmentally friendly choice compared to older refrigerants like R-22, which is being phased out due to its ozone-depleting properties. HFC-410A operates at higher pressures than R-22, which allows for better heat transfer and energy efficiency in air conditioning systems.

The move towards HFC-410A also aligns with regulatory changes aimed at reducing the environmental impact of refrigerants. Consequently, many manufacturers now design their systems specifically for HFC-410A, optimizing components to work efficiently with this refrigerant, further enhancing overall system performance and energy efficiency in residential applications.