Final answer:
Residential air conditioners commonly use hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) or hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants such as HFC-134a and HCFC-141b. These refrigerants circulate through the system, absorbing heat from the indoor air and releasing it outside.
Step-by-step explanation:
The refrigerant commonly used in almost all residential air conditioners is a type of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) or hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC). Two examples of HFC refrigerants are HFC-134a and HCFC-141b.
HFC-134a, also known as CF3-CH₂F, is widely used due to its low toxicity and non-flammability. HCFC-141b, also known as CH₂-CC1₂F, was commonly used before being phased out due to its impact on the ozone layer.
These refrigerants circulate through the air conditioning system, absorbing heat from the indoor air and releasing it outside, helping to cool the indoor environment.