Which type of refrigerant is known for having a high global warming potential (GWP)?

HFC refrigerants, or hydrofluorocarbons, are recognized for their high global warming potential (GWP). This can be attributed to the chemical makeup of HFCs, which contain fluorine and do not deplete the ozone layer, but they can trap heat in the atmosphere more effectively than carbon dioxide. The GWP is a measure of how much a given mass of a GHG contributes to global warming over a specific time scale, compared to CO2.

Regulatory bodies are increasingly focused on phasing down the use of HFCs because of their significant impact on climate change, leading to agreements like the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. This growing awareness has pushed various industries to explore alternatives with lower GWP, making an understanding of HFCs and their impact crucial for those working with refrigeration and air conditioning technologies.

This contrasts with other refrigerants mentioned in the choices. For example, CO2 refrigerants typically have a much lower GWP and are being used more frequently as a more environmentally friendly option. Ammonia refrigerants are also known for their low GWP and efficiency in certain applications, while natural refrigerants encompass substances like propane and butane, which generally have minimal environmental impact compared to HFC