Refrigerant color codes are useful for us to recognize the type of gas that is stored in the cylinders. The name of the gas are usually labelled on the cylinders as an added aid so that we will not make any mistakes in recognizing them. Putting the wrong gas into our air conditioning systems can damage the compressors.

Take note that in the future, all CFCs and HCFCs will eventually be phased out due to their effect on the ozone layers.

In an effort to reduce confusion over the color codes of all refrigerant containers, the AHRI has announced that all refrigerant will be using the same color code which is light grey/green based on the RAL 7044 Color Code by the year 2020. Hence, the identification by then will be by product markings and labels instead of by color codes as practiced now.

CFCs

NumberOld Cylinder
Color
Refrig. NameApplication
R-11OrangeTrichloromonofluoromethaneCentrifugal
Chillers
R-12WhiteDichlorodifluoromethaneReciprocating
and rotary
equipments
R-13Light BlueMonochlorotrifluoromethaneUsed in low
stage of
cascade systems
R-13B1CoralBromotrifluoromethaneLow to Medium
temperature
applications
R-113PurpleTrichlorotrifluoroethaneLow capacity
centrifugal
chillers
R-114Dark BlueDichlorotetrafluoroethaneHigh capacity
Chillers
R-500YellowRefrig. 152A/12Industrial and
commercial
reciprocating
compressors
R-502Light PurpleRefrig. 22/115Reciprocating and
rotary equipments
R-503AquamarineRefrig. 23/13Low temperature
commercial
refrigeration



HCFCs

NumberOld Cylinder
Color
Refrig. NameApplication
R-22Light GreenMonochlorodifluoromethaneResidential, commercial
and industrial
R-123Light GrayDichlorotrifluoroethaneR-11 replacement for
centrifugal chillers
R-124Deep GreenChlorotetrafluoroethaneMedium pressure chillers
R-401ACoral RedR-22 + R-152a + R-124Medium temperature systems
R-401BMustard YellowR-22 + R-152a + R-124Transport refrigeration,
domestic refrigerators
R-402ALight BrownR-22 + R-125 + R-290Ice machine, vending,
supermarket and food service
R-402BGreen BrownR-22 + R-125 + R-290Supermarket, food service
and transport



HFCs

NumberOld Cylinder
Color
Refrig. NameApplication
R-23Light GrayTrifluoromethaneLow temperature refrigerant
R-134aLight Sky BlueTetrafluoroethaneAutomotive industry and refrigeration systems
R-404AOrangeR-125 + R-143a + R-134aMedium and low temperature
R-407CChocolate BrownR-32 + R-125 + R-134aR-22 Replacement
R-410ARoseR-32 + R-125Replacement for residential air conditioning
R-507Light BrownRefrig. 125/143aReplacement for low-temp commercial refrig.
Editorial Contributors
Alora Bopray

Alora Bopray

Staff Writer

Alora Bopray is a digital content producer for the home warranty, HVAC, and plumbing categories at Today's Homeowner. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of St. Scholastica and her master's degree from the University of Denver. Before becoming a writer for Today's Homeowner, Alora wrote as a freelance writer for dozens of home improvement clients and informed homeowners about the solar industry as a writer for EcoWatch. When she's not writing, Alora can be found planning her next DIY home improvement project or plotting her next novel.

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Roxanne Downer

Editor

Roxanne Downer is a commerce editor at Today’s Homeowner, where she tackles everything from foundation repair to solar panel installation. She brings more than 15 years of writing and editing experience to bear in her meticulous approach to ensuring accurate, up-to-date, and engaging content. She’s previously edited for outlets including MSN, Architectural Digest, and Better Homes & Gardens. An alumna of the University of Pennsylvania, Roxanne is now an Oklahoma homeowner, DIY enthusiast, and the proud parent of a playful pug.

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