ICC Commercial Mechanical Practice Exam

The most commonly used refrigerant in commercial HVAC systems today is HFCs (Hydrofluorocarbons). HFCs have been adopted widely due to their efficiency and lower impact on the ozone layer compared to older refrigerants. Unlike CFCs, which are known to be ozone depleting substances, HFCs do not contain chlorine and thus have a significantly reduced potential to cause ozone layer damage.

In addition to their environmental benefits, HFCs can operate effectively over a wide range of temperatures, making them suitable for various commercial applications. Their thermal efficiency and effectiveness in heat transfer contribute to energy savings, which is crucial in commercial settings where energy consumption can be substantial.

While Freon is a brand name commonly used to refer to certain refrigerants, it historically refers to CFCs and HCFCs which have been phased out due to their harmful environmental effects. Ammonia is used in some industrial applications for refrigeration but is less common in standard commercial HVAC systems due to its toxicity and flammability. CFCs are largely banned or restricted in many countries because of their ozone-depleting properties.

Thus, HFCs represent a modern and compliant choice for commercial HVAC systems, aligning with both regulatory standards and the