What is one advantage of natural refrigerants over synthetic refrigerants?

Natural refrigerants, such as ammonia, CO2, and hydrocarbons, are generally regarded as having a lower environmental impact compared to synthetic refrigerants. This is primarily due to their reduced contribution to ozone depletion and global warming potential. Many synthetic refrigerants, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), have been linked to serious environmental concerns, including ozone layer depletion and a high greenhouse gas effect.

Natural refrigerants tend to have a minimal or negligible impact on these environmental issues when compared to their synthetic counterparts. For example, ammonia has an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of zero, and its global warming potential (GWP) is also very low. The use of natural refrigerants can thus help industries comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations and sustainability goals.

While other factors like efficiency, availability, and operating costs may also play a role in the selection of refrigerants, the distinct advantage of natural refrigerants in terms of environmental impact stands out, making it a critical consideration in today's eco-conscious landscape.