Which refrigerants can be factory charged into new household refrigerators and freezers?

• A. R134a
• B. R600a, R290
• C. R717
• D. R22

Answer: (B)

New household refrigerators and freezers are designed to be charged with refrigerants that meet safety and environmental rules for consumer, sealed systems. The refrigerants that fit this bill are R600a and R290. They’re hydrocarbons with very low global warming potential, offering strong cooling performance in compact, hermetically sealed appliances. Because they are flammable, the equipment is designed with appropriate safety labeling and controls, and factory charging ensures the system and components are compatible.

Ammonia (R717) is toxic and not used in consumer-grade appliances due to safety concerns in homes. R22 is being phased out for new equipment because it depletes the ozone layer. R134a has been widely used in the past but is being replaced in many new models by refrigerants with lower environmental impact, so it isn’t the typical factory charge for new household units.