The Cold Truth About R32 as a Refrigerant in Heat Pumps and the Environmentally Friendly Alternative Propane R290

Regulations around refrigerants in air conditioners and heat pumps are becoming increasingly strict in Europe. The most remarkable change is the phasing out of R32 which is the widely used refrigerant currently. According to the F-Gas Regulation, in the Netherlands, R32 air conditioners and heat pumps may no longer be sold, refilled, or serviced from 2027.

Why R32 is being phased out in Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps?


R32, known as difluoromethane, is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) widely used in air conditioners and heat pumps. Although R32 has a relatively low GWP (Global Warming Potential) compared with R410A, it is still a contributor to global warming. R32 has a GWP of 675, meaning it contributes 675 times more than CO2 to global warming over a 100-year. Well, R32 contributes directly to global warming if in leakage, making it less suitable when sustainability and environmental friendliness are becoming increasingly important. The European Union has decided to reduce the use of HFCs such as R32 to meet climate goals. This has led to the F-Gas Regulation, which requires the phasing out R32.

The alternative to R32 is Propane R290. And why?


Propane R290 is a natural refrigerant considered one of the most environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic refrigerants. It is a pure propane and it has some remarkable advantages over R32. Propane R290 has a GWP of 3, which is practically negligible compared with R32. It means R290 has virtually no effect on global warming. Propane is freely extracted in the world and comes from nature. But R32 is a synthetic and chemical refrigerant made in a factory.

The heat pump which uses R290 is often more energy efficient, thus it can decrease the energy costs for the user. Propane R290 can produce a much higher temperature of air or water. Almost older homes in Europe can also be disconnected from natural gas with R290 air-to-water heat pumps. R290 heat pumps can produce 75-degree water temperatures, but R32 heat pumps can only produce water up to 50-55 degrees. As a natural refrigerant, R290 is not harmful to the environment and does not contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer. What’s more, R290 performs better at higher temperatures, making it suitable for both air conditioners and heat pumps in warm and cold climates.

The major global distributor in the air conditioners and Heat Pumps industry are now working hard to bring their new, environmentally friendly Propane R290 refrigerant to the market.

The phasing out of R32 as a refrigerant in air conditioners and heat pumps is an important step towards a more sustainable future. Propane R290 offers an environmentally friendly and efficient alternative that does not contribute to global warming. By switching to R290, you will not only benefit from lower energy costs and better performance with the possibility of high-temperature heating, but you will also contribute to the protection of our planet and the environment. Propane R290 is the future of cooling and heating, without harmful environmental effects and with significant benefits for both the user and the earth.

An image of three different JNOD heating & cooling pumps 01
R290 Monoblock Top Blow Air Source Cylindrical Heat Pump

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