The fluid that circulates in an air conditioning system and transfers heat from inside a building to the outside.
A working fluid in a refrigeration or heat pump system that absorbs heat at low pressure by evaporating and releases heat at high pressure by condensing. Refrigerants cycle continuously through the compressor, condenser, expansion device, and evaporator. Modern refrigerants are selected for low global warming potential (GWP) and zero ozone depletion potential; common examples include R-410A, R-32, and R-454B.
Refrigerant selection drives equipment compatibility, line set sizing, and increasingly the bid itself as low-GWP transitions affect availability and pricing of compatible units. Estimators bidding HVAC scope must confirm the specified refrigerant matches the equipment schedule, because substituting an incompatible system triggers redesign, change orders, and code or warranty exposure.
Pricing a rooftop unit replacement, the mechanical estimator confirms the spec calls for R-454B equipment, then verifies the proposed unit, line sets, and charge align before submitting the bid to avoid a costly mid-project substitution.
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