Do Refrigerators Use Freon?
Many people are frightened by the presence of CFCs in their homes and offices. Some people even have problems with the refrigerator due to contact with old chemicals.
However, it is true that all modern refrigerators use the chemical HFC-134a as a refrigerant. This gas is similar to freon, but has also been proven safe for human consumption. It is much better for the environment than the previous air conditioner. In this article I will answer whether refrigerators still use freon, read on!
Do refrigerators use freon?
The answer to this question is yes and no. Freon is still used in older refrigerators but should no longer be used in newer models. These types of refrigerators are still in production, so if you already have them, you don’t need to worry. It can be used continuously without any problem.
All new models of refrigerators manufactured after 1994 must use HFC-134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane), a chemical harmless to the environment and humans. Fortunately, it really is. Newer models use a new refrigerator to cut manufacturers’ costs.
What is freon?
Freon is a type of refrigerator in refrigerators and freezers that provides quick cooling. It does this by filling every nook and cranny of the refrigerator with gas so that the parts move slowly. This makes the process more efficient.
How does freon work in the refrigerator?
Refrigerator Refrigerant gas escapes from the refrigerator and flows through the vents. The refrigeration evaporators are cooled by this gas, which is very cold. This is transferred to the refrigerator through a cold door.
As the food cools down, carbon dioxide (CO2) is released. Usually it is closed in a refrigerator and the volume increases sharply. This will create pressure which will damage the inside of the refrigerator. Freon then injects air into the high pressure cylinder located on the front of the refrigerator.
The refrigerator consists of two different parts that work together to keep the food fresh: the evaporator and the condenser. The evaporator is inside the refrigerator and the condenser is outside.
Together, they transform the gas mixture (coolant) into a much cooler gas, but in liquid form it is further cooled. This is called “compression,” from which this area takes its name. It is extremely important that this happens quickly because the lower the temperature, the cooler the things overall.
When did you stop using freon in the refrigerator?
The first refrigerators were produced at the beginning of the 20th century, and by 1915 refrigerators were in full-scale production. It wasn’t until the 1970s that refrigerators started using a chemical called freon, which was environmentally friendly.
As a result, less waste and less energy consumption. However, due to laws prohibiting the use of certain chemicals in food production, producers were unable to produce enough. So they started using HFC-134a as an alternative. It is still used today, but is the safest option for humans and animals.
Freon versus HFC-134a
Note that HFC-134a is a very safe chemical. However, there are other chemicals that fall under the same classification as freon and all pose a different level of risk to humans and animals.
The main difference between them is that freon can be absorbed into the body through the skin (after contact with dust or mold) or when inhaled (after contact with the hair).
It is absorbed by food as it decomposes over time due to the release of oxygen. HFC-134a is insoluble and is not harmful if inhaled or ingested through the skin.
Freon can be removed from the air using a HEPA filter. However, this filter is not sufficient to remove HFC-134a as it is heavier than air. Although it is often referred to as Freon-12, the correct name for this gas is R12. It was widely used in old car refrigerators and air conditioners.
Is freon still used in new refrigerators?
In 1994, all new refrigerators stopped using freon as a refrigerant (for environmental reasons). If your refrigerator is manufactured after this date, it probably won’t use freon. However, keep in mind that many of the original refrigerator parts will be defective as they are designed to work with a chemical that is no longer available.
Can the refrigerator work without CFCs?
The refrigerator may work without CFCs, but it will not work. It is recommended that you only use a fridge-freezer if you want to save money or have personal preferences. Buying a new refrigerator is certainly cheaper than repairing an old refrigerator that uses freon.
Final thoughts
If you have an older refrigerator model that uses freon, it’s even safer to use it. Freon is banned from newer models because it could damage our planet’s ozone layer. If you are planning to buy a new refrigerator, don’t worry about using freon in your old refrigerator. You can keep using your old refrigerator until it turns off automatically. There is no need to change the new model as some do, trying to be environmentally friendly.
