R32 vs R290: Advantages and Disadvantages in Heat Pumps

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Discover and Reform Gas R32 vs Gas R290: Differences, Advantages, and Disadvantages in Aerothermal Systems

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Gas R32 vs Gas R290: Differences, Advantages, and Disadvantages in Aerothermal Systems

3 minutes of reading

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By Mariona Griera

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March 21, 2025

The choice between R32 and R290 gas in heat pumps affects efficiency, environmental impact, and safety. R32 is popular for its cooling capacity and safety, while R290 stands out for its low environmental impact and efficiency in heating and DHW, although it requires additional safety measures.

The choice of refrigerant gas in a heat pump affects its efficiency, environmental impact, and safety. In aerothermal systems and domestic hot water production (DHW), two refrigerants stand out: R32 and R290. Below, we analyze their differences, advantages, and disadvantages in aerothermal and DHW heat pumps.

Key differences between gas R32 and gas R290

Environmental impact

One of the most important differences is the global warming potential (GWP):

R290 (propane) has a GWP of 3, making it an almost environmentally neutral refrigerant.
R32 has a GWP of 675, significantly lower than older refrigerants like R410A, but higher than R290.

Both gases have zero impact on the ozone layer, but in terms of sustainability, R290 is the more eco-friendly option.

Efficiency and performance

Efficiency varies depending on the application and temperature conditions:

R32 has a higher volumetric cooling capacity, which allows for more compact systems with a lower refrigerant charge. It works well in air-water air conditioning, especially in installations with underfloor heating or fan-coils.
R290 is more efficient at high temperatures, ideal for domestic hot water (DHW) and heating with radiators. Additionally, it maintains its performance better in low outdoor temperatures.

If the goal is air conditioning with aerothermal, R32 is a good option. For heating and DHW, R290 offers greater efficiency.

Safety and flammability

This aspect is key in the choice of refrigerant:

R32 is classified as A2L (low flammability), which makes it safe in residential installations and allows for higher refrigerant charges.
R290 is A3 (high flammability), so it requires additional safety measures, such as hermetic systems and limitations on the gas charge.

For this reason, the R290 is mainly used in monobloc heat pumps, where the refrigeration circuit is sealed in the outdoor unit.

Availability and future of the market

The R32 is the most commonly used refrigerant currently in aerothermal heat pumps, while the R290 is expanding thanks to its low environmental impact.

European regulations will progressively restrict gases with high GWP, so R290 is the most future-ready option. However, R32 is still widely used, with more models available and a network of technicians trained for its installation.

Gas R32 vs. gas R290 in heat pumps (air-water)

In aerothermal heat pumps, both refrigerants are viable, but with different approaches:

Heat pumps with R32:
- More models available on the market.
- Good efficiency in air conditioning with underfloor heating or fan-coils.
- Discharge temperatures up to 60 °C, suitable for conventional heating.
- Simpler and safer installation.
Heat pumps with R290:
- Higher efficiency in heating and DHW, with temperatures up to 75 °C.
- Better performance in cold climates, operating even at -25 °C.
- Almost zero environmental impact.
- Requires additional safety measures.

For residential air conditioning, the R32 remains a safe and widespread option. In heating and DHW, the R290 offers greater efficiency and sustainability.

Examples of products with R290 gas in aerothermal and DHW

Below, some outstanding models with gas R290:

Heat pump for DHW Thermor Aéromax VM R290 of 150 liters (ref. 274025)
- Capacity of 150 liters for domestic hot water.
- High efficiency thanks to refrigerant R290.
- Integrated WiFi and smart energy-saving modes.

Monobloc air-to-water heat pump Samsung EHS R290 AE160CXYBEK/EU 16.0 kW
- 16 kW of power, ideal for heating and DHW.
- Can reach 75 °C supply temperature.
- Maintains high performance at outdoor temperatures down to -25 °C.

Portable air conditioner hot/cold R290 Midea PD 3.5 kW
- Portable unit with heat pump.
- Power of 3.5 kW, suitable for medium-sized rooms.
- Use of R290 for greater efficiency and sustainability.

Conclusion

Both R32 and R290 have represented a breakthrough in efficiency and sustainability:

R32 remains a reliable and widespread option, especially in aerothermal air conditioning.
R290 is the ecological alternative of the future, with greater efficiency in heating and DHW, although with higher safety requirements.