- If it dates from before 1995, it probably contains chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs - fluids R11 and R12), whose global warming potential is up to 10,000 times that of CO2. CFCs have been banned in the European Union since that date.
- 'Between 1995 and 2010, the mainly authorised fluids are hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs - R22 fluids), whose global warming power is up to 2000 times that of CO2.
- The period 2010 - 2015 corresponds to a transition period during which the manufacture of new equipment containing HCFCs is prohibited. In 2015, the presence of HCFCs in equipment is prohibited.
- If built after 2015, it may contain :
- hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs - R134a) whose warming potential is 1,500 times that of CO2. These fluids will be banned in new equipment from 1 January 2022.
- Hydrocarbons such as isobutane (R600) and propane (R290). Their contribution to greenhouse gases corresponds to 3 times that of CO2. There is no legal restriction on their point source release into the atmosphere.
- Other fluids are being tested, such as CO2 or ammonia (NH3).
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