Red Seal Appliance Service Technician Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Red Seal Appliance Service Technician Exam with our detailed quiz. Featuring flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with helpful hints and explanations. Get exam-ready with comprehensive study tools!

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Which type of refrigerant is commonly used in residential refrigerators?

  1. HFC-134a (tetrafluoroethane)

  2. R-12 (dichlorodifluoromethane)

  3. R-410A (hydrofluorocarbon)

  4. R-22 (monochlorodifluoromethane)

The correct answer is: HFC-134a (tetrafluoroethane)

HFC-134a, also known as tetrafluoroethane, is commonly used as a refrigerant in residential refrigerators today. This refrigerant was designed to replace R-12 due to environmental concerns associated with ozone depletion. HFC-134a has a lower ozone depletion potential and is considered more environmentally friendly compared to older refrigerants. In residential applications, HFC-134a is favored because it operates efficiently at typical household temperature ranges, providing effective cooling. Its thermodynamic properties, including low boiling points and favorable heat transfer characteristics, make it suitable for use in domestic refrigeration systems. Furthermore, regulations have shifted away from the use of more harmful substances like R-12 and R-22 due to their potential impact on the ozone layer and climate change, making HFC-134a a more compliant choice in contemporary residential refrigerators.