Nate Core Practice Test 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

R-410A is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant commonly used in modern HVAC systems, particularly in new air conditioning and heat pump applications. It was introduced to replace R-22, which is being phased out due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer. R-410A has several advantages: it operates at higher pressures than R-22, resulting in better energy efficiency and performance. Additionally, it has a lower global warming potential compared to older refrigerants, making it a more environmentally friendly choice.

In contrast, while R-22 and R-12 (which is no longer used in many applications) were once widely used, they are being phased out due to their negative environmental impacts. Propane, while a refrigerant, is more commonly associated with specific applications like residential heating systems or as a refrigerant in natural refrigerant scenarios, but is not the standard in most HVAC systems designed for cooling. Therefore, R-410A is the most relevant and widely accepted refrigerant type in current HVAC technology.