Illinois Home Inspector Practice Exam

Which refrigerant is considered the newer standard?

1. R404A

2. R410A

3. R22

4. R12

The correct answer is: R410A

The correct choice is R410A because it represents a newer generation of refrigerants designed with improved efficiency and lower environmental impact. As refrigerant technology has evolved, R410A has emerged as a preferred choice in many modern air conditioning systems due to its ability to operate at higher pressures, which allows for better energy efficiency and performance. Additionally, R410A does not contain chlorine, making it less harmful to the ozone layer compared to older refrigerants like R22 and R12. These features have made R410A the standard for new systems, particularly after the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances. In contrast, R404A is a refrigerant that has been widely used in commercial refrigeration but is not as commonly adopted in residential settings as R410A. R22 and R12, while they were standard refrigerants in the past, have been largely phased out due to their adverse effects on the ozone layer, making them outdated choices in today's market. R410A stands out as the industry’s current standard for its environmental benefits and efficiency, positioning itself as the go-to option for new installations.