3 Reasons CO2 Is a More Eco-Friendly Refrigerant Gas

Commercial refrigeration has never been easy. Throughout history, we’ve tried everything from shipping ice over long distances to toxic gases. Unfortunately, many of the commercial refrigeration methods we’ve used so far have taken a toll on the environment. That’s where CO2 comes in.

Here are three reasons CO2 is a more eco-friendly refrigerant gas:

1. It has a low global warming potential (GWP)

“Compared with the refrigerants we’re using right now, CO2 is much less of a greenhouse gas than R404A,” said researcher Brian Fricke of the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory. CO2 has a GWP of one, while R404A’s GWP is closer to 4,000. That’s a huge difference.

2. It doesn’t affect the ozone

Before the 1970s, the most common refrigerant being used was chlorofluorocarbons. While at first it was touted as a “safety refrigerant,” it began breaking down the upper atmosphere of the ozone. CO2 does not have this effect on the ozone.

3. It’s nontoxic

If you look back before the 1970s, toxic refrigerant gases like ammonia and sulfur dioxide were commonly used. According to Healthline, these gases can lead to refrigerant poisoning, resulting in dizziness, headaches, irritation, and heart palpitations. More importantly, if deeply inhaled, these refrigerants could cut off vital oxygen to one’s lungs. However, CO2 is a nontoxic alternative.

To learn more about CO2 refrigeration and why it’s eco-friendly, contact East Coast Refrigeration at(631) 249-4556 today. Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook, Twitter and Google+!