Air conditioning

R32 drives air conditioning change

Pro May 5, 2020 winter-picto

Summary

R32 has played a key role in moving split air conditioning systems, VRF and Rooftop systems away from high-GWP R410A, offering a lower GWP of 675 and strong performance advantages. However, the revised EU F-Gas Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2024/573, is accelerating the transition towards very-low-GWP refrigerants. While R32 remains relevant today, future restrictions mean it should be seen as a transitional refrigerant rather than the long-term destination for HVAC applications.

R32 helped drive the transition away from R410A, but the latest EU F-Gas rules are now pushing the market towards even lower-GWP refrigerants.

What does the F-Gas regulation say about R32?

The revised EU F-Gas Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2024/573, has accelerated the move away from high-GWP refrigerants in air conditioning and heat pump equipment. Adopted in February 2024 and applicable from March 2024, the Regulation repeals Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 and strengthens the HFC phase-down, product prohibitions, leak prevention, recovery and reporting requirements.

This regulatory pressure has driven manufacturers away from R410A, which has a high GWP of 2088, towards lower-GWP alternatives such as R32. R32 is an HFC with many similar characteristics to R410A, as it is one of the two components in the R410A blend, but it has a significantly lower GWP of 675.

R32 remains relevant because its GWP is below the 750 threshold that applies to certain smaller split systems. From 1 January 2025, single split systems containing less than 3 kg of fluorinated greenhouse gases may only be placed on the EU market if the refrigerant has a GWP below 750. However, the revised F-Gas Regulation introduces stricter future limits for air conditioning and heat pump equipment, meaning R32 should now be understood as an important transitional refrigerant rather than a long-term solution across all air conditioning and heat pump systems.

Is R32 a suitable transitional refrigerant for air conditioning and heat pump systems?

Many air conditioner, VRF and rooftop manufacturers have launched systems running on R32, and the refrigerant has become widely used in new equipment as a lower-GWP alternative to R410A. Its role has therefore shifted from emerging option to established transition refrigerant.

However, the next phase of the F-Gas transition is already shaping equipment design. From 2029, new split systems with a rated capacity of up to 12 kW will face a GWP limit of 150, while larger split systems will also be subject to staged restrictions. Other product categories, including VRF and rooftop units, are also affected by the wider HFC phase-down and product-specific restrictions, meaning manufacturers must assess refrigerant choices according to equipment type, capacity and application. This means that alternatives with very low GWP, including natural refrigerants where technically and safely feasible, are expected to play a growing role.

What are the benefits of R32?

Depending on system type and design, R32’s characteristics enables manufacturers to offer end users a number of benefits for their installations, such as extended pipe lengths – 25% longer than previously possible in some cases; increased ‘lift’ from outdoor unit to indoor; and 20% lower system refrigerant volumes than R410A, thanks to higher volumetric capacity.

The slightly increased pressure and density also contributes to overall improved system efficiency over R410A, as well as a 10% reduction in system electricity consumption compared to R22, another common refrigerant in older AC systems.

Further advantages of the new refrigerant include increased heating capacity at lower ambients; more simple recovery and re-use, thanks to its single-component state; and easier leak repair, due to the lack of glide.

What should be considered when using R32?

Although R32 is rated as A2L, or mildly flammable, it can be used safely when systems are designed for the refrigerant and installed, serviced and maintained by competent personnel. Appropriate risk assessment, ventilation, charge limitations, leak prevention and compliance with applicable safety standards such as EN 378 remain essential, particularly in enclosed spaces or during charging and recovery operations.

With those precautions understood, handling of R32 is relatively straightforward for trained professionals. However, because it is mildly flammable, it should only be used in air conditioning or heat pump equipment specifically designed and approved for R32, and it should not be used as a retrofit refrigerant in systems designed for R410A unless explicitly permitted by the manufacturer.

Service tools and recovery equipment must be suitable for A2L refrigerants and compatible with R32, including appropriate gauges, leak detectors, recovery units, vacuum pumps and reclaim cylinders. Technicians should always follow manufacturer instructions and applicable national certification and training requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is R32?

R32 is a hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant used in many modern air conditioning and heat pump systems, including split air conditioners, VRF systems and some rooftop units. It has a lower GWP than R410A and can support efficient system performance, but it is still an HFC and remains subject to the wider F-Gas phase-down.

Is R32 still allowed under the latest EU F-Gas rules?

Yes, R32 can still be used in some applications because its GWP of 675 is below the 750 threshold that applies to certain equipment. However, Regulation (EU) 2024/573 introduces stricter future limits across air conditioning and heat pump equipment, so many applications will increasingly need to move towards refrigerants with much lower GWP.

Is R32 safe to use?

R32 is classified as A2L, or mildly flammable, so it must be used in equipment designed for the refrigerant and handled by trained professionals. Correct installation, servicing, ventilation, charge control and compatible tools are essential to safe operation.

How can I find out more about air conditioner, VRF or rooftop performance?

While the refrigerant used within systems is important, it is not the only deciding factor when it comes to product performance. Eurovent Certification’s Certified Product Directory provides verified, accurate, comparable performance and energy efficiency data for thousands of air conditioning and heat pump products. It’s completely free to use, and available online 24/7.

Why is it important to choose Eurovent-certified units?

Products holding Eurovent Certified Performance have passed a comprehensive and impartial certification process. This gives specifiers, installers and end users confidence that the published performance data has been independently and expertly verified. This helps reduce the risk of choosing equipment that underperforms, uses more energy than expected, or fails to deliver the required cooling or heating capacity.