R32 vs R290: Refrigerant Comparison in All Aspects

Under the background of global dual carbon goals (carbon peak and carbon neutrality), as well as the related laws becoming more and more strict, the air conditioning industry is accelerating the pace of update and replacement in refrigerant. As the representatives of new refrigerants, R32 and R290 have different environmental specifications and marketing applications. Here we will have a comprehensive introduction to help you make a clear decision.

I. Basic comparison

II. Comparison of environmental performance

1. GWP value: R290 is more advantageous in "0 carbon dioxide"

GWP (Global Warming Potential) is the key data to measure the air impact on the greenhouse effect.

• R32 has a GWP of 675, which is less than R410A (GWP-2088), but it still belongs to the GWP middle class.
• R290 has a GWP of 3, which is almost negligible.

2. ODP value: both have 0 ODP

Both refrigerants have no impact on the ozone layer (ODP=0); they totally meet the requirements of the Montreal Protocol.

III. Energy efficiency and performance

R32 and R290 have outstanding thermodynamic performance, but there are slight difference

In a word, R290 is better than R32 in heating exchange ratio and energy efficiency ratio.

IV. Safety and applicable range

1. Clear difference in flammability.

• R32: A2L class, a bit flammable, higher safety level. It is suitable for home air conditioner promotion.
• R290: A3 class, very flammable; it highly requests safety in installation and maintenance. And the risk of fire disaster exists.

2. Legal restrictions and applications

• Due to its high flammability, the R290 air conditioner is now limited in applications in global countries, which are only allowed to apply it under certain capacities. (For example, China standards limit the charging weight of 150g, while the Europe is 290g.)
• In large or enclosed spaces, it is normally prohibited to use R290.

V. Marketing trends and policy orientation

R32

• It is widely adapted by international trending brands, such as Daikin, Gree, Midea, Mitsubishi, etc.
• As a transitional refrigerant with environmental friendliness, it complies with the environmental protection policies in different countries. And the technology is mature, and the supply chain is stable.
• It is suitable for the exporting of major household and commercial air conditioners.

R290

• It is more and more preferred by small cooling devices, such as refrigerators and portable air conditioners.
• Europe and other regions promote it on a large scale, but it is still limited due to its flammability and charging weight.
• It requires a higher standard of the manufacturers and service providers on safety design and maintenance capability.

VI. Which one is the most eco-friendly option?

• R32 is the most balanced refrigerant regarding comprehensive performance, environmental friendliness, and safety. It is applicable for many mainstream air conditioners.
• R290 is more eco-friendly but more flammable, suitable for small, specified-capacity equipment.

Driven by the environmental protection trend and the governmental policy pressure dually, air conditioning refrigerant is now undergoing a green conversion. As the main force of green refrigerants in the current market, R32 is obviously advantageous in controllable cost, security performance, global legacy, etc. While R290 is representing the development direction of "ultimate green refrigerant", which is adaptable for scenarios where the technology maturity is higher and the security system is complete.

If you are looking for international standard R32/R290 air conditioners with high efficiency, please contact us. Our KRG team will provide professional solutions and quotations.