HVAC Refrigerant Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of Refrigerants

Question 1

Which of the following is a naturally occurring refrigerant?

Accepted Answer

R-744 (CO2)

Answer

R-134a

Answer

R-407C

Answer

R-410A

Question 2

What is the approximate boiling point of R-134a at atmospheric pressure?

Accepted Answer

-26.1°C

Answer

26.1°C

Answer

-15.3°C

Answer

10.1°C

Question 3

Which refrigerant has the highest global warming potential (GWP)?

Accepted Answer

R-410A

Answer

R-717 (Ammonia)

Answer

R-290 (Propane)

Answer

R-32

Question 4

What is the primary function of a refrigerant receiver in a refrigeration system?

Accepted Answer

To store excess refrigerant during system operation and maintain optimal refrigerant levels.

Answer

To increase the cooling capacity of the system.

Answer

To filter impurities from the refrigerant.

Question 5

Which of the following is a crucial safety precaution when handling refrigerants?

Accepted Answer

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, and a respirator when necessary.

Answer

Use refrigerants in confined spaces without proper ventilation.

Answer

Smoke or use open flames near refrigerant sources.

Question 6

What is the refrigerant number designation for the hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerant?

Accepted Answer

R-1234yf

Answer

R-134a

Answer

R-404A

Answer

R-22

Question 7

Which of the following is a desirable characteristic of a refrigerant?

Accepted Answer

Low toxicity and flammability

Answer

Corrosive to metal components.

Answer

Incompatible with mineral oil.

Answer

High boiling point and low freezing point.

Question 8

What is the main purpose of a refrigerant drier in an HVAC system?

Accepted Answer

To remove moisture from the refrigerant and prevent system damage.

Answer

To filter out solid contaminants.

Answer

To increase the refrigerant pressure.

Answer

To lubricate moving parts.

Question 9

Which of the following symptoms typically indicates an overcharged refrigerant system?

Accepted Answer

High head pressure and low suction pressure

Answer

Low head pressure and high suction pressure.

Answer

Equal head and suction pressures.

Answer

No change in pressures.

Question 10

What is the primary goal of the Montreal Protocol?

Accepted Answer

To phase out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances, including certain refrigerants.

Answer

To establish safety standards for handling refrigerants.

Answer

To certify HVAC technicians.

Question 11

Which of the following refrigerants has the lowest Global Warming Potential (GWP)?

Accepted Answer

R32

Answer

R410A

Answer

R22

Answer

R134a

Question 12

What is the primary function of a refrigerant in an HVAC system?

Accepted Answer

To absorb heat from one location and release it at another.

Answer

To increase the system's overall pressure.

Answer

To lower the system's overall temperature.

Answer

To lubricate the system's moving parts.

Question 13

As of 2023, which refrigerant is commonly used in new residential air conditioning systems in the United States?

Accepted Answer

R410A

Answer

R134a

Answer

R22

Answer

R12

Question 14

What is the primary environmental concern associated with refrigerants like R22?

Accepted Answer

Ozone depletion potential (ODP)

Answer

Low energy efficiency

Answer

High flammability

Answer

High toxicity to humans

Question 15

What is the main purpose of a refrigerant recovery machine?

Accepted Answer

To safely remove refrigerant from a system for recycling or disposal

Answer

To analyze the refrigerant's properties

Answer

To add refrigerant to a system

Answer

To pressurize the refrigerant in a system

Question 16

What is the correct procedure when dealing with a refrigerant leak?

Accepted Answer

Isolate the area, evacuate the refrigerant, repair the leak, and then recharge the system.

Answer

Continue running the system and monitor the leak.

Answer

Apply a temporary sealant to the leak.

Answer

Ventilate the area and allow the refrigerant to naturally dissipate.

Question 17

In HVAC, what is the difference between a refrigerant's 'charge' and 'capacity'?

Accepted Answer

'Charge' is the amount of refrigerant, while 'capacity' is the system's cooling power.

Answer

'Charge' is measured in pounds, while 'capacity' is measured in tons.

Answer

'Charge' and 'capacity' refer to the same thing.

Answer

'Charge' refers to pressure, while 'capacity' refers to volume.

Question 18

Which refrigerant is known for its high flammability and is typically NOT used in residential HVAC systems?

Accepted Answer

R290 (propane)

Answer

R22

Answer

R410A

Answer

R134a

Question 19

What is the primary use of a refrigerant pressure-temperature (PT) chart?

Accepted Answer

To determine refrigerant pressure and temperature at specific system conditions

Answer

To identify the chemical composition of the refrigerant

Answer

To calculate the refrigerant's Global Warming Potential (GWP)

Answer

To measure the refrigerant's flow rate through the system

Question 20

What is the main environmental concern regarding the disposal of refrigerants?

Accepted Answer

Potential harm to the ozone layer and contribution to climate change

Answer

Contamination of groundwater

Answer

Risk of explosions

Answer

Corrosion of metals in landfills