Absorption system becomes quite popular despite more capital cost and lower performance. The attractive features that associate with this technology are energy efficient and eco-friendly. Therefore, the present communication deals a critical literature review on single-effect vapour absorption refrigeration system using different heat sources. A variety of heat sources are used to drive the system. The absorption system will be quite cheaper if it is operated through waste energy or solar energy, but it is a challenge to available these sources where refrigeration/air-conditioning required. Results show that heat sources will not affect the first law performance of the system, while the second law performance is much affected. The rise in the operating temperatures of the high-pressure generator decreases the exergy destruction rate (EDR) of the high-pressure generator. EDR decreases around 40% for hot air, 42.8% for steam and 45.6% for hot water, respectively at the lowest source temperature.