Refrigeration & Air Conditioning

CFCs are used in numerous refrigeration and air conditioning applications worldwide, for example in domestic and commercial refrigeration, cold storage, food processing, transport and industrial refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps, chillers, and mobile air conditioning. HCFCs have been used as as CFC alternatives in refrigeration but are considered "transitional substances" and they too will be phased out.

CFCs and HCFCs are ozone depleting substances whose production and consumption is controlled under the Montreal Protocol. With support from the Protocol's Multilateral Fund delivered by UNEP, UNDP, UNIDO, the World Bank and bilateral agencies, developing countries are phasing out these ozone depleting chemicals in this sector.

The main global refrigerant options for the long term are HFCs and HFC-blends, ammonia, hydrocarbons and blends, carbon dioxide, and water. All have advantages and disadvantages that should be closely considered, e.g. performance, toxity, flammability, global warming potential, energy efficiency, cost.

Refrigerant management encompasses replacement of CFCs and HCFCs by other refrigerants, recovery and recycling, and retrofitting of existing equipment. Refrigerant Management Plans are important tools for developing countries to develop and implement integrated, cost-effective strategies for ODS phase out in this sector.

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