Which refrigerant is often viewed as a more environmentally friendly alternative to R-12?

R-1234yf is considered a more environmentally friendly alternative to R-12 due to its significantly lower global warming potential (GWP) and ozone depletion potential (ODP). R-12, also known as dichlorodifluoromethane, is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) which has been phased out under the Montreal Protocol because of its harmful effects on the ozone layer and its high GWP.

In contrast, R-1234yf is a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) that was designed to replace R-134a, which itself is a less harmful refrigerant than R-12 but still has a relatively high GWP. R-1234yf has a GWP of less than 1, which makes it a suitable option for compliance with environmental regulations aimed at reducing emissions of greenhouse gases.

The other options—R-12a, R-22, and R-410A—either have higher GWPs or pose more environmental risks. R-12a, for example, is a blend that still contains CFCs and therefore shares some of the environmental issues associated with R-12. R-22 is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) and