HFCkylmäaineet

HFCkylmäaineet, or hydrofluorocarbons, are a group of synthetic refrigerants that emerged as replacements for ozone-depleting substances like CFCs and HCFCs. Their primary advantage is that they do not contain chlorine, thus having no direct impact on the stratospheric ozone layer. HFCs were widely adopted in refrigeration, air conditioning, and some foam-blowing applications due to their favorable thermodynamic properties and non-flammability.

However, HFCs are potent greenhouse gases, meaning they contribute significantly to global warming when released into the atmosphere. Their global warming potentials (GWPs) are considerably higher than carbon dioxide, leading to growing international concerns about their environmental impact. Recognizing this, global agreements like the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol aim to phase down the production and consumption of HFCs. This phase-down is driving a transition towards refrigerants with lower GWPs, including natural refrigerants like hydrocarbons and ammonia, as well as newer generations of hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs). While HFCs played a crucial role in protecting the ozone layer, their climate impact necessitates a shift towards more sustainable cooling technologies.