Types of Refrigerants
3.1 Synthetic Refrigerants
3.2 Natural Refrigerants
Compressor Compatibility: Matching Refrigerants with the Right Technology
Refrigerants are at the heart of every HVAC system. From residential heat pumps to large-scale commercial chillers, they enable the heat exchange process that makes heating and cooling possible. As environmental regulations tighten and the global push for decarbonization intensifies, the choice of refrigerant is no longer a secondary concern—it's a strategic decision.
Modern heat pumps now demand energy-efficient, low-emission, and environmentally friendly refrigerants that align with both performance and compliance goals. Whether you're comparing R410A vs R32, exploring natural alternatives like R290 refrigerant, or planning for future transitions like 454B refrigerant, this guide will walk you through the most critical considerations.
A refrigerant is a fluid that undergoes a phase change (evaporation and condensation) in a closed loop to transfer heat from one area to another. In a heat pump, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the ambient environment (air, ground, or water) and releases it indoors for space heating or hot water. In cooling mode, the cycle reverses.
A good refrigerant must offer:
Strong thermodynamic properties for fast heat transfer
Low environmental impact (especially Global Warming Potential, or GWP)
Safety (low flammability and toxicity)
Compatibility with HVAC system materials and components
These are man-made chemicals such as HFCs. While effective, they typically have higher GWPs.
R410A: Non-flammable, high-pressure blend, widely used but now phasing out.
R32: More efficient than R410A with 70% lower GWP; mildly flammable (A2L).
R134a: Used in high-temperature DHW systems; high GWP.
454B: Designed to replace R410A; lower GWP and similar performance.
Naturally occurring substances with excellent thermal properties and ultra-low GWP.
R290 (Propane): GWP <3, very efficient, but flammable (A3).
R744 (CO₂): GWP = 1, non-flammable, used in commercial settings.
R717 (Ammonia): Zero GWP, very efficient, used only in industrial systems.
| Refrigerant | GWP | Flammability | Max Temp | Efficiency | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R410A | 2088 | A1 | ~60°C | High | Legacy units, still in pools |
| R32 | 675 | A2L | ~65°C | Very High | New residential HVAC systems |
| R290 refrigerant | <3 | A3 | ~75°C | Very High | Heating & DHW in EU, AU |
| R134a refrigerant | 1430 | A1 | ~75°C | Moderate | High-temp DHW, being phased out |
| 454B refrigerant | 466 | A2L | ~65°C | High | New generation HVAC systems |
Each refrigerant comes with its own safety classification and system design requirements:
R410A is classified as A1 (non-flammable) and operates under high pressure. While once widely used, it is now being phased out globally due to its high GWP.
R32 falls under A2L (mildly flammable). It is known for its energy efficiency and wide adoption in modern systems, but requires specific design precautions to mitigate fire risk.
R290 refrigerant is categorized as A3 (flammable) and demands safe ventilation design and leak prevention systems. Despite this, it offers excellent energy efficiency and a GWP of less than 3.
R134a refrigerant is also A1 (non-flammable) and thermally stable, but it carries a high GWP and is being phased out in favor of more sustainable options.
454B refrigerant is an A2L class refrigerant, recognized as a strong replacement for R410A. It is less flammable than R32 and is now being introduced across new HVAC product lines.
R410A: Still in legacy systems.
R32: Now standard in split-type heat pumps.
R290: Rising in monoblocs in EU markets (2027 compliance requirement).
R134a: Found in older high-temp units.
R290: High temperature output, ideal for new DHW systems.
R410A: Being replaced in integrated designs.
R410A: Common in older systems.
R32: Preferred for energy upgrades.
R290: Used in ERP-certified pool heat pumps.
| Refrigerant | Recommended Compressor Type | Key Considerations |
| R410A | Scroll compressor, twin rotary | High-pressure design; requires durable construction |
| R32 | High-temp rotary (inverter preferred) | A2L rated; needs leakage and fire separation protocols |
| R290 refrigerant | Fully sealed, low-charge compressors | A3 class; recommend microchannel + safety valve setup |
| 454B refrigerant | Compatible scrolls with R410A spec | Requires certification and parameter matching |
| R134a refrigerant | Scroll or screw compressors | Gradual phase-out; still used in DHW and refrigeration |
R410A (GWP 2088, A1): Still used in legacy systems and pools but is being phased out globally. Many U.S. states will restrict new systems with R410A starting 2025.
R32 (GWP 675, A2L): The most widely adopted R410A replacement. Rapid growth globally, heavily used by Daikin, LG, and Midea.
R290 refrigerant (<3 GWP, A3): Used in compact and DHW systems, especially in Europe and Australia. Adoption is expanding cautiously due to safety regulations.
454B refrigerant (GWP 466, A2L): Designed for U.S. systems, replacing R410A. Actively deployed by Trane, Carrier, and others.
R134a refrigerant (GWP 1430, A1): Still present in commercial DHW and chillers, but slowly being phased out.
R1234yf (<1 GWP, A2L): Dominant in the automotive industry. Not yet widely adopted in residential or commercial heat pumps.
Adoption of refrigerants varies significantly across global markets due to policy, infrastructure, and climate considerations:
Europe: R290 dominates monobloc systems and is increasingly favored for small residential applications. R32 is common in split-type systems, while R410A is being phased out rapidly under EU environmental regulations.
USA: R32 and 454B are gaining momentum, especially in new-generation HVAC systems. However, R290 approvals remain limited due to flammability regulations.
Asia-Pacific: In Japan and South Korea, R32 has become the standard refrigerant. China is not only using R32 but also actively producing and exporting R290-based units for markets with stricter environmental standards.
Australia: R290 is actively promoted for use in domestic hot water units. R32 has become standard across most residential and commercial HVAC applications.
Middle East: R410A remains dominant due to existing system infrastructure and cooling needs. However, R32 usage is increasing and R290 is under evaluation through pilot projects and feasibility studies.
Natural refrigerants offer a future-proof path for the HVAC industry as the world moves toward sustainability. These substances are not only environmentally benign but also highly efficient in various heat pump applications.
Ultra-low GWP: R290 (<3), R744 (1) enable future-proof system design
Efficient: Higher SCOP, lower energy cost, ideal for A+++ ratings
Safe with modern design: A3 class handled via sealed systems, leak detection
Incentivized: EU, Australia, and Japan offer policy support
These low GWP refrigerants, such as R290 and R744, are not only compliant with international climate agreements, but also deliver long-term operational reliability for residential and commercial HVAC systems.
Reduce power use, emissions, and OPEX
Help qualify for ERP, Energy Star, and rebate programs
Compatible with inverter + smart IoT control
Essential for ESG-aligned HVAC solutions
Whether your priority is efficiency, compliance, or long-term serviceability, choosing the right refrigerant is a strategic investment. Options like R290, R32, and 454B are the future of low-GWP, energy-efficient heating and cooling.
As traditional 410a refrigerant systems are phased out due to high environmental impact, upgrading to low-GWP alternatives like R32 or R290 is a smart long-term move for any HVAC business.
Looking for compliant, efficient, and eco-friendly heat pump systems?
✅ Explore our full R290 and R32 portfolio →
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