Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CAMT Practice Questions and Study Guide

R-22 refrigerant, also known as hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), contains chlorine as one of its components. This characteristic makes it significant in discussions surrounding ozone depletion, as chlorine atoms can potentially contribute to the destruction of the ozone layer when released into the atmosphere.

On the other hand, R-410A is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) that is designed to be more environmentally friendly. It does not contain chlorine, which is a crucial factor in its adoption as a replacement refrigerant for R-22 in many applications. R-410A consists primarily of fluorine and has been widely recognized as a more sustainable option due to its lower impact on ozone depletion.

Understanding the chemical composition of refrigerants is critical in the maintenance and selection of appropriate cooling systems. In this context, recognizing the presence of chlorine in R-22 but its absence in R-410A highlights the shift towards more environmentally safe refrigerant options, aligning with global strategies for reducing harm to the ozone layer and improving energy efficiency in HVAC systems.