Frequently Asked Question No. 17

Is the system's antifreeze a potential environmental problem?

In residential applications, the commonly used antifreeze solutions pose little to no environmental hazard. Each state regulates the types of antifreeze materials used in GHP systems. The most commonly used ones are propylene glycol, and methanol. Propylene glycol is a non-toxic fluid which poses no hazards to the environment, humans or animals, and in fact, is used in food processing refrigeration.

Methanol (or alcohol) is potentially flammable, but not in the concentrations used in GHP systems. It is similar to the antifreeze solution used in windshield washer systems.