What type of refrigerant is typically less harmful to the ozone layer?

HFC-based refrigerants are considered less harmful to the ozone layer because they do not contain chlorine, which is primarily responsible for ozone depletion. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) both release chlorine when they break down in the atmosphere, leading to damage to the ozone layer. HFCs, introduced as alternatives to CFCs and HCFCs, provide effective refrigeration properties without the destructive impact on ozone.

Ammonia, while also less harmful to the ozone layer and used in some industrial applications, is not a hydrofluorocarbon and carries other types of environmental and safety concerns, such as toxicity and flammability, which limit its use in residential and light commercial systems. As a result, HFCs have become a popular choice for many refrigeration applications due to their reduced ozone-depleting potential.