What is the most common refrigerant used in domestic refrigeration applications?

R-134a is widely accepted as the most common refrigerant used in domestic refrigeration applications, particularly in household refrigerators and freezers. This refrigerant gained prominence due to its efficient performance and relatively low environmental impact compared to older refrigerants.

R-12, a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), was once commonly used but has largely been phased out because of its detrimental effects on the ozone layer. R-404A, which is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), is primarily used in commercial refrigeration and not typically found in domestic settings. R-22 was a widely used refrigerant in household air conditioning systems, but it has also been phased out under the Montreal Protocol due to its ozone-depleting properties.

R-134a has become the preferred choice for new domestic refrigeration systems since it does not contribute to ozone depletion and has a lower global warming potential compared to its predecessors. Its adoption aligns with global environmental regulations aimed at reducing the use of harmful refrigerants.