Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) MVAC Certification

How do HFCs contribute to environmental issues?

1. They create ozone in the stratosphere

2. They contribute to acid rain

3. They contribute to global warming

4. They have no environmental impact

The correct answer is: They contribute to global warming

HFCs, or hydrofluorocarbons, are a group of compounds that are primarily used as refrigerants in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. They contribute to global warming due to their potent greenhouse gas properties. While they do not deplete the ozone layer like some other refrigerants, HFCs have a high global warming potential (GWP), which means they can trap heat in the atmosphere much more effectively than carbon dioxide, making them significant contributors to climate change. This is particularly concerning because, despite being designed as a more environmentally friendly alternative to ozone-depleting substances, their release into the atmosphere during use, leakage, or improper disposal significantly impacts the climate. This highlights the need for regulations and practices that reduce HFC emissions to mitigate their contribution to global warming.