Most automotive A/C parts distributors, importers, parts retailers, and repair businesses purchase car AC refrigerant in bulk based on market demand. Compared with components such as compressors, condensers, and evaporators, refrigerants are consumable products. Their purchasing demand is more closely related to the number of vehicles in operation, service and repair requirements, local regulations, and refrigerant type. Therefore, not all customers need to maintain large inventories of refrigerants.
Automotive A/C refrigerant, also commonly referred to as refrigerant or automotive A/C coolant, is a chemical substance that can undergo phase changes between liquid and gas under different pressure and temperature conditions. During this process, the refrigerant absorbs and releases significant amounts of heat, making it an essential working medium in the automotive A/C refrigeration cycle.
In an automotive A/C system, the refrigerant passes through the main components, including the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. Its pressure, temperature, and physical state continuously change throughout the refrigeration cycle. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the passenger compartment in the evaporator and releases that heat to the outside air through the condenser, thereby cooling the vehicle interior.
The Development of Car AC Refrigerant
When an A/C system is properly sealed and free from leaks, the refrigerant can generally remain in the system for a long period and does not need to be replaced at fixed intervals. In actual service conditions, refrigerant recharge or replacement is typically associated with system leaks, component repairs, or reduced cooling performance.
As automotive A/C technology has evolved, along with environmental regulations and the growing demand for low-global-warming-potential (Low-GWP) refrigerants, automotive A/C refrigerants have undergone significant changes. Their development can generally be divided into the following stages.
R-12
1930sโ1990s
R-12 was widely used in traditional automotive A/C systems and offered good cooling performance and stability. However, because it has a relatively high ozone depletion potential (ODP), the development of environmental regulations led to its gradual phase-out from automotive A/C applications in many markets.
R-134a
1990sโPresent
R-134a was widely adopted as a replacement for R-12 in automotive A/C systems. It does not deplete the ozone layer but has a relatively high global warming potential (GWP). As a large number of vehicles equipped with R-134a remain in operation, R-134a continues to have significant demand in the automotive aftermarket.
R-1234yf
2010sโPresent
R-1234yf is a next-generation automotive A/C refrigerant with a very low global warming potential (GWP). It has been adopted in new vehicle models in many markets.
As next-generation automotive A/C and thermal management systems continue to develop, the use of R-1234yf is expanding. At the same time, R-134a remains widely used in existing vehicles. As a result, both refrigerants are expected to coexist in the automotive aftermarket for some time.
Other Types of Refrigerants and Their Applications
In addition to refrigerants primarily used in automotive A/C systems, many other types of refrigerants are available for different applications. Due to differences in their chemical properties, thermodynamic performance, and environmental characteristics, they are used in applications such as air conditioning, heat pumps, commercial refrigeration, transport refrigeration, and domestic refrigeration.
The following are some common refrigerants and their typical applications:
| Refrigerant | Typical Applications |
|---|---|
| R410A | Residential and commercial air conditioning, heat pumps |
| R407C | Air conditioning, heat pumps, commercial refrigeration |
| R32 | Residential air conditioning, heat pumps |
| R404A | Transport refrigeration, cold storage, and commercial refrigeration |
| R507A | Low-temperature commercial refrigeration and freezing equipment |
| R600a | Domestic refrigerators |
| R290 | Refrigeration equipment, air conditioning, and heat pumps |
Refrigerants We Supply
Anchor Group is a one-stop automotive A/C and thermal management solutions supplier, offering a range of refrigerant products for automotive A/C systems, transport refrigeration, and other refrigeration applications.
We primarily serve distributors, importers, automotive A/C parts suppliers, repair businesses, and other professional customers. We can provide suitable products and supply support based on different applications and market requirements.
Today, we work with 2,300+ customers across 160+ countries and regions.
If you are looking for refrigerant products for automotive A/C, transport refrigeration, or other refrigeration applications, feel free to contact us for product specifications, packaging options, and purchasing information.
