Refrigerants Overview
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Refrigerants Overview
This course is part of HVAC: Preparing for the Field Specialization
Instructor: Interplay Learning
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What you'll learn
Explain how refrigerants work within a system and identify their key physical and chemical characteristics.
Identify the most common refrigerants currently utilized in the field and understand why they are prioritized.
Analyze the future of the industry, including the shift toward environmentally friendly, sustainable, and affordable options.
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June 2026
6 assignments
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There are 6 modules in this course
Refrigerants are the lifeblood of any cooling system, serving as the essential medium for heat transfer. This course provides a comprehensive look at how these substances function and the critical role they play in the HVAC industry. As environmental regulations evolve, understanding the transition from traditional chemicals to modern alternatives is vital for any forward-thinking technician.
Completing this training ensures you stay compliant and competitive as the trade shifts toward greener, more cost-effective solutions.
This module provides a technical overview of how refrigerants function as the primary medium for heat transfer within HVAC systems. It traces the journey of refrigerant through the compressor and metering device, explaining how changes in pressure and temperature allow for the cooling or heating of a conditioned space. Additionally, the module emphasizes the importance of a proper refrigerant charge to ensure system efficiency and the ability to maintain desired indoor temperatures.
What's included
2 videos1 assignment
2 videosβ’Total 3 minutes
- Introductionβ’1 minute
- How Do Refrigerants Work?β’3 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 3 minutes
- Knowledge Check: How Do Refrigerants Work?β’3 minutes
This module provides an in-depth examination of the various ways common refrigerants differ. It details the critical safety standards for flammability and toxicity, explaining how these classifications are used to evaluate different substances.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
1 videoβ’Total 4 minutes
- Refrigerant Differencesβ’4 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 4 minutes
- Knowledge Check: Refrigerant Differencesβ’4 minutes
This module provides an in-depth comparison of R-22 and R-410A, the two most common refrigerants in the HVAC industry. It explores their chemical compositions, safety classifications, and the specific types of lubricants required for each. Additionally, the module covers the environmental regulations and phase-outs that are driving the transition toward more sustainable refrigerant alternatives.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
1 videoβ’Total 3 minutes
- Common Refrigerantsβ’3 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 3 minutes
- Knowledge Check: Common Refrigerantsβ’3 minutes
This module provides an in-depth look at alternative refrigerant types that have emerged as viable drop-in replacements for R-22. It explores the characteristics of R-343a, R-407c, and MO-99, highlighting their safety classifications, lubricant compatibility, and necessary system adjustments during retrofitting. Additionally, the module examines the environmental trade-offs of these alternatives, such as their zero ozone depletion potential versus their significant global warming potential.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
1 videoβ’Total 3 minutes
- Alternative Refrigerantsβ’3 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 3 minutes
- Knowledge Check: Alternative Refrigerantsβ’3 minutes
This module examines the transition toward environmentally friendly refrigerant solutions, highlighting their significantly lower global warming potential and their classification as mildly flammable (A2L) refrigerants. Technicians and contractors will learn the essential safety and maintenance considerations required for installing and servicing systems charged with these future-oriented products.
What's included
1 video1 assignment
1 videoβ’Total 2 minutes
- Future Refrigerant Solutionsβ’2 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 3 minutes
- Knowledge Check: Future Refrigerant Solutionsβ’3 minutes
This final knowledge check is designed to reinforce key concepts from the lesson and assess your understanding. Youβll apply what youβve learned through a series of multiple choice questions, helping ensure youβre confident and ready to move forward.
What's included
1 assignment
1 assignmentβ’Total 15 minutes
- Final Knowledge Checkβ’15 minutes
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