HFO refrigerants are been developed as a replacement for HFC refrigerants. Their operating characteristics are very similar to the HFC’s they’re intended to replace. The chemical process to manufacture HFO is extremely complex raising questions about the eventual cost per Kg. There are also concerns relating to their environmental impact, as when HFO’s breakdown in the atmosphere they produce Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), which poses serious risks to aquatic life.

Additionally, HFO’s, depending on their GWP, can be flammable and/or toxic.