Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) MVAC Certification

What is a common characteristic of refrigerants that are environmentally harmful?

1. Low boiling points

2. High global warming potential

3. Low moisture content

4. Non-flammability

The correct answer is: High global warming potential

A common characteristic of refrigerants that are deemed environmentally harmful is their high global warming potential (GWP). GWP is a measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere over a specific time period, typically 100 years, compared to carbon dioxide. Refrigerants with high GWP contribute significantly to climate change because they can retain heat in the atmosphere for long periods, amplifying the greenhouse effect. In contrast, low boiling points, low moisture content, and non-flammability are more concerned with the physical and safety attributes of refrigerants. While these characteristics can affect how refrigerants are used and handled, they do not inherently indicate environmental harm in the way that high GWP does. High GWP means that even small amounts of these refrigerants can have a disproportionately large impact on global warming, making this a critical consideration for environmental protection initiatives.