In shortR12 was the standard refrigerant in refrigerators, car air conditioning and commercial coolers until the 1990s. It was banned under the Montreal Protocol because of its very high ozone depletion.
R12 properties
| Code | R12 |
|---|---|
| Chemical name / composition | Dichlorodifluoromethane (CCl₂F₂) |
| Family | CFC |
| GWP (AR4, 100 years) | 10,900 |
| ODP | 1 |
| Safety class (ISO 817 / ASHRAE 34) | A1: lower toxicity, non-flammable |
| Boiling point (1 atm) | −29.8 °C |
| Temperature glide | None (pure fluid) |
| Charge equal to 5 t CO₂e | 0.46 kg |
| Status | Banned / legacy |
Where is R12 used?
- Old domestic refrigerators and freezers
- Pre-1990s car air conditioning
- Old commercial coolers
Service and safety notes
- Non-flammable and low toxicity (A1). A large leak in a closed room can still displace oxygen, so gas detection is recommended in small plant rooms.
- Never charge a system with a refrigerant other than the one on its nameplate; retrofits need manufacturer approval and oil and component checks.
- Charging, recovery and leak checks must be done and recorded by F-gas certified technicians.
R12 and regulations
Banned under the Montreal Protocol. Refrigerant left in old equipment must be recovered by certified technicians and destroyed; systems are not recharged.
Alternatives to R12
Compare all refrigerants in our refrigerant guide.
Other refrigerants
R502R22R123R134aR404AR407CR407FR410AR417AR422DR507AR32R448AR449AR452AR454BR454CR513AR1234yfR1234zeR1233zdR514AR290R600aR1270R744R717
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Frequently asked questions
What is the GWP of R12?
The 100-year global warming potential (AR4) of R12 is about 10,900.
Is R12 flammable?
A1: lower toxicity, non-flammable.
What can replace R12?
Depending on the application: R134a, R600a, R1234yf. Conversions require manufacturer approval and oil and component checks.