What type of refrigerant is commonly used in air-to-air heat pumps?

The choice of R-410A as the commonly used refrigerant in air-to-air heat pumps is due to its efficiency and environmental considerations. R-410A is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant that does not contribute to ozone depletion and has a lower global warming potential compared to some older refrigerants.

R-410A operates at higher pressures than many previous generation refrigerants, which allows for smaller system designs and improved efficiency. This makes it particularly suitable for modern heat pumps that require enhanced performance in both heating and cooling modes. Additionally, regulations have led to a phase-out of older refrigerants like R-22 and Freon 12, further solidifying R-410A’s position as the preferred choice for new residential air-to-air heat pump systems.

While R-134A is used in some applications, it is not typically the refrigerant associated with heat pumps. Its properties do not match the operational requirements of HVAC systems in the same way that R-410A does.