The most commonly used gas in air conditioning systems is a refrigerant known as R-410A, which is a blend of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). R-410A has become widely used in residential and commercial air conditioning systems as a replacement for older refrigerants like R-22, which has been phased out due to its ozone-depleting potential.
R-410A is a non-toxic, non-flammable gas that offers excellent cooling performance and energy efficiency. It has a high capacity for absorbing and releasing heat, making it suitable for air conditioning applications. R-410A is also more environmentally friendly than its predecessors, as it has zero ozone depletion potential.
It's important to note that while R-410A is the most common refrigerant used in modern air conditioning systems, there are other refrigerants used in specialized applications or older systems. These may include R-22 (chlorodifluoromethane), R-134a (1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane), and others. The choice of refrigerant depends on factors such as system design, efficiency requirements, and environmental regulations.