If you've kept up with consumer report, you may be aware that the refrigerant used in some air conditioners has been targeted as an ozone-depleting substance. The problem is that aging, sealed systems may develop leaks and allow the refrigerants to escape to the atmosphere. Prior to December 31, 1995, a common refrigerant in older cars, some commercial air conditioners and refrigerators was CFC-12 or R-12.

Now, the commonly used refrigerant in home air conditioners is R-22, an HCFC (hydrochlorofluorocarbon) that is safer but can still be a problem if it reaches the stratosphere. Production of HCFCs will be phased out eventually, too.

The refrigerant used in new car air conditioning systems is R-134a, an HFC (hydro- fluorocarbon) that does not contain ozone-damaging chlorine atoms. Carrier was the first manufacturer to produce a residential central air conditioning system that utilizes this refrigerant--the WeatherMaker 134a.

Other manufacturers are also introducing systems that use HFC refrigerant blends that have no ozone-depletion potential.

More about Central air Conditioners:

• Air Conditioners: Central or Portable?
• Central Air Conditioner Cost Considerations
• Central Air Conditioner Warranties
• Central Air Conditioners: Cooling Capacity
• Central Air Conditioners: Energy Efficiency Ratings
• Reducing the Load on Your Central Air Conditioner

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