What Refrigerant is Used in Dehumidifier

Refrigerants Used in Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers typically use refrigerants to cool the air and condense moisture, which is then collected and drained. The refrigerants used in dehumidifiers are usually hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Common refrigerants used in dehumidifiers include R-410A and R-134a.

It's worth noting that there is an ongoing global effort to phase out certain types of refrigerants, such as those containing chlorine (like HCFCs), due to their negative impact on the environment and contribution to ozone depletion. Regulations and standards for refrigerants may vary by region, so it's essential to check the specifications of the specific dehumidifier you are using to determine the refrigerant it employs.

Differences between R-32 and R-410A

R-32 and R-410A are hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants commonly used in air conditioning and heat pump systems. While they share similarities, there are notable differences between R-32 and R-410A:

1. Composition:

- R-32 (difluoromethane): It is a single-component refrigerant that consists of only one chemical compound.

- R-410A (azeotropic mixture): It is a blend of two HFC refrigerants, 50% R-32 and 50% R-125. An azeotropic mixture behaves as a single substance with consistent properties.

2. Global Warming Potential (GWP):

- R-32: It has a lower GWP compared to R-410A. GWP is a measure of the greenhouse gas potential of a substance over a specified period. R-32 is considered to have a more favorable environmental profile in this regard.

- R-410A: It has a higher GWP compared to R-32, contributing more to potential climate change concerns.

3. Efficiency:

- R-32: It has better thermodynamic properties in terms of energy efficiency compared to R-410A. This can result in slightly improved system performance and energy efficiency.

- R-410A: While still relatively efficient, R-410A may not be as energy-efficient as R-32.

4. Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP):

- R-32: It has zero ozone depletion potential, making environmentally friendly in terms of ozone layer impact.

- R-410A: Like other HFCs, it has zero ozone depletion potential.

5. Safety:

- R-32: It is mildly flammable, which means there are some safety considerations in handling and installation. However, it is considered to have a lower flammability risk compared to some other refrigerants.

- R-410A: It is non-flammable under normal conditions, simplifying safety considerations compared to flammable refrigerants.

6. Industry Adoption:

- R-32: It is gaining popularity, especially in smaller air conditioning systems, due to its lower GWP and improved efficiency.

- R-410A: It has been widely used in the air conditioning industry for many years and is still prevalent in larger systems.

According to a new proposal from the US Environmental Protection Agency, starting from 2025, all common higher GWP HFC refrigerants (including R134a, R404A, and R410A) will be prohibited from being used in most refrigeration and air conditioning applications.

Preair, an advanced dehumidifier manufacturer, will transition to more environmentally friendly refrigerants in line with evolving regulations and industry trends.