Freon

Freon is a brand name historically used by the DuPont company (and later by others) for a family of halogenated refrigerants. The term became a generic shorthand for various refrigerants used in air conditioning, refrigeration, and related applications, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Over time, specific Freon formulations such as CFC-11, CFC-12, HCFC-22, and others were marketed under the Freon label, though the brand has since largely been superseded by more precise chemical naming.

Environmental and regulatory context has significantly shaped Freon-related refrigerants. CFCs possess high ozone depletion potential and were phased out under the Montreal Protocol beginning in the 1980s. HCFCs have lower ozone-depleting potential but are still being phased down in many regions. HFCs, which contain no chlorine and thus have zero ozone depletion potential, typically have high global warming potential. The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol seeks to reduce HFC use globally, prompting switches to low-GWP alternatives.

Current practice involves replacing older Freon refrigerants with low-GWP or natural alternatives. Some legacy equipment still uses older Freon formulations, but newer systems often employ refrigerants such as HFOs (eg, R-1234yf, R-1234ze), or natural options like carbon dioxide (R-744) and hydrocarbons (eg, R-290, R-600a), depending on the application and safety considerations. Safety and handling considerations vary by chemical class, with factors including flammability and toxicity influencing choice and system design.

In contemporary usage, Freon is more a historical brand reference than a precise chemical term, and the industry generally uses specific refrigerant designations rather than relying on the Freon label.