히트 펌프용 R32, R134a 및 R290에 대한 심층 분석

핵심 요점: R290 offers the best environmental benefits with ultra-low GWP, while R32 provides the best balance of efficiency and safety. Meanwhile, R134a is being phased out due to high environmental impact.

Introduction to Refrigerants in Heat Pumps

Why Refrigerants Matter in Your Heat Pump

Think of refrigerants as the blood flowing through your heat pump’s veins. These special fluids make the magic happen by absorbing heat from outside air and releasing it inside your home. Furthermore, they work through a simple cycle of evaporation and condensation.

Meet the Three Main Players

Today, we’re comparing three popular refrigerants: R32, R134a, and R290. Each one has different strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, global heat pump sales are expected to reach 50 million units annually by 2025, up from 30 million in 2023.

As environmental regulations get stricter, choosing the right refrigerant becomes more important. Therefore, understanding these differences helps you make a smart, future-proof decision for your home.

R32 vs R134a vs R290: Complete Comparison

Environmental Impact: The Climate Factor

비교 시 R32 vs R134a vs R290, environmental impact is crucial. Global Warming Potential (GWP) measures how much each refrigerant contributes to climate change over 100 years.

• R290 (Propane): GWP of only 3 – practically zero impact
• R32: GWP of 675 – moderate impact
• R134a: GWP of 1430 – high impact, being phased out

Efficiency and Performance Breakdown

Performance varies significantly between these three refrigerants. Notably, R290 often outperforms others in cold climates with SCOP values up to 5.66 at 35°C.

Safety Classifications Explained

Safety is a major concern when choosing between R32, R134a, and R290. Each refrigerant has different flammability and toxicity levels:

• R134a (A1): Non-flammable and safest to handle
• R32 (A2L): Mildly flammable, requires proper ventilation
• R290 (A3): Highly flammable, needs outdoor installation

However, proper installation and maintenance make all three options safe. Moreover, thousands of R290 systems operate safely across Europe with proper precautions.

비용 분석

Cost considerations include both refrigerant prices and system costs. Surprisingly, R290 is cheaper per unit than R134a, though systems cost 10-20% more due to safety features.

Meanwhile, R134a prices rose 20% in Q4 2024 due to phase-out pressures. Conversely, R32 remains stable at $5-7 per kilogram, making it the most economical choice for new installations.

What is R32? (Properties & Benefits)

R32 Refrigerant Basics

R32, also known as difluoromethane, is a modern HFC refrigerant that’s revolutionizing heat pump technology. This mildly flammable refrigerant has a boiling point of -52°C and offers impressive volumetric cooling capacity.

Most importantly, R32 provides 87% greater volumetric capacity than R290, meaning smaller system components and lower costs. Additionally, it’s compatible with existing infrastructure, making upgrades easier.

Key Applications and Benefits

R32 dominates in split-type air-to-water heat pumps for residential and commercial heating. Leading brands like Daikin and LG have adopted R32 extensively, particularly in Asian markets.

The main benefits include:

• Up to 10% better energy efficiency than R410A predecessors
• Lower refrigerant charge requirements
• Reduced system size and installation costs
• Wide availability and installer familiarity

Furthermore, R32’s moderate GWP of 675 meets current environmental regulations while providing excellent performance. This balance makes it the most widely adopted option globally in 2025.

What is R134a? (Properties & Benefits)

Understanding R134a Characteristics

R134a (tetrafluoroethane) is a legacy HFC refrigerant with a boiling point of -26°C. Classified as A1 (non-flammable, low toxicity), it’s been a reliable workhorse in commercial refrigeration and heat pumps for decades.

This refrigerant offers zero ozone depletion potential (ODP), which was revolutionary when it replaced ozone-damaging refrigerants in the 1990s. However, its high GWP of 1430 now makes it environmentally problematic.

Current Applications and Limitations

R134a remains present in legacy heat pump systems and some high-temperature domestic hot water applications. Its stable performance and safety record made it popular for commercial chillers and older residential units.

However, significant limitations include:

• Up to 37% less energy savings compared to R290 systems
• High GWP driving regulatory phase-outs
• Lower efficiency than modern alternatives
• Rising costs due to supply restrictions

“While R134a served us well for three decades, the future clearly belongs to low-GWP alternatives. We’re seeing rapid adoption of R32 and R290 as customers prioritize both efficiency and environmental responsibility.” – Mark Thompson, HVAC Engineering Consultant

Consequently, R134a is mainly found in older installations requiring service, with new systems favoring more sustainable options.

What is R290? (Properties & Benefits)

R290: The Natural Choice

R290, commonly known as propane, is a hydrocarbon refrigerant that’s gaining massive popularity worldwide. With a boiling point of -42°C and an ultra-low GWP of just 3, it’s practically climate-neutral.

This natural refrigerant offers superior heat transfer properties and up to 30% better volumetric efficiency than R134a in low-temperature conditions. Moreover, R290 systems typically achieve COPs around 4, producing 4kW of heat for every 1kW of electricity consumed.

R290 leads the market in monobloc air-to-water heat pumps, particularly in European countries like Sweden and Germany. Additionally, adoption is expanding rapidly in Australia and through pilot projects in the Middle East.

주요 이점은 다음과 같습니다:

• Cost-effective: Cheaper refrigerant than R134a
• Environmentally friendly: Reduces emissions by up to 80% vs gas boilers
• High efficiency: Excellent performance in cold climates
• 미래 대비: Meets all current and proposed environmental regulations

However, R290’s A3 classification (highly flammable) requires careful handling and outdoor installation. Nevertheless, proper safety measures make it completely safe for residential use.

Safety Considerations: Which is Safest?

안전 분류 이해

비교 시 R32 vs R134a vs R290 safety, it’s essential to understand the classification system. The ASHRAE safety groups range from A1 (safest) to B3 (most hazardous).

Here’s how our three refrigerants stack up:

• R134a (A1): Non-flammable and non-toxic – safest to handle
• R32 (A2L): Mildly flammable with low burning velocity
• R290 (A3): Highly flammable but low toxicity

Real-World Safety Measures

Despite different classifications, all three refrigerants operate safely with proper precautions. For instance, R32 systems require solid-state electronics and adequate ventilation to prevent ignition.

Meanwhile, R290 installations need strict leak prevention measures and outdoor placement to avoid explosion risks. In 2025, U.S. codes limit R290 charges to under 4.9kg for outdoor units, with studies ongoing for higher limits.

“With over 500,000 R290 heat pumps operating safely across Europe, proper training and installation practices effectively mitigate any flammability risks. The key is following manufacturer guidelines and local codes.” – Jennifer Walsh, Refrigeration Safety Institute

Importantly, proper technician training mitigates risks for all refrigerants. Therefore, choosing a qualified installer matters more than the specific refrigerant type.

Which Refrigerant Should You Choose?

주택 소유자를 위한 의사 결정 프레임워크

Choosing between R32, R134a, and R290 depends on your priorities, climate, and local regulations. Here’s a practical decision framework to guide your choice.

Choose R290 if:

• Environmental impact is your top priority
• You live in a cold climate needing high efficiency
• Outdoor installation space is available
• You want the most future-proof option

Choose R32 if:

• You want proven technology with wide availability
• Installation simplicity matters most
• You need indoor or split-system configuration
• Cost-effectiveness is important

Climate and Application Considerations

Your local climate significantly impacts refrigerant performance. For example, R290 excels in cold climates with 34% better performance than R32 at 55°C outdoor temperatures.

Meanwhile, R32 works well in moderate climates and offers the best balance of performance and practicality. Avoid R134a for new installations due to phase-out timelines and poor efficiency.

“The smart money is on R290 for maximum efficiency and environmental benefits, while R32 offers the easiest transition from older systems. R134a should only be considered for replacing existing equipment.” – David Chen, Heat Pump Design Engineer

자주 묻는 질문

Is R290 better than R134a?

Yes, R290 is significantly better than R134a in almost every aspect. R290 provides up to 37% energy savings, has an ultra-low GWP of 3 compared to R134a’s 1430, and costs less per unit.

However, R290 requires careful handling due to flammability, while R134a is non-flammable. Despite this, R290’s environmental and efficiency advantages make it the clear winner for new installations.

What are the differences between R32 and R290?

The main differences between R32 and R290 include:

• Capacity: R32 has 87% higher volumetric capacity
• 환경에 미치는 영향: R290 has much lower GWP (3 vs 675)
• 안전: R32 is mildly flammable (A2L), R290 is highly flammable (A3)
• Performance: R290 performs better in cold weather

Which refrigerant is best for air conditioners: R32 or R290?

For air conditioners, R32 is typically better due to higher cooling capacity and easier installation. R290 excels in heating applications but requires outdoor placement for safety.

Additionally, R32 has wider availability and installer familiarity, making it more practical for most air conditioning applications in 2025.

What is the GWP of R32, R134a, and R290?

The Global Warming Potential values are:

• R32: 675 GWP
• R134a: 1430 GWP
• R290: 3 GWP

These differences drive current phase-out regulations, with R290 being the most environmentally friendly option.

Are R32 and R290 safe?

Yes, both R32 and R290 are safe when properly installed and maintained. R32 requires adequate ventilation and electronic safety systems, while R290 needs outdoor installation and leak detection systems.

Thousands of systems operate safely worldwide with proper precautions and qualified installation.

Conclusion: Making the Smart Choice for Your Future

The battle between R32 vs R134a vs R290 has a clear winner for different priorities. R290 leads in environmental performance and cold-climate efficiency, while R32 offers the best balance of performance, safety, and availability.

Meanwhile, R134a is rapidly becoming obsolete due to high environmental impact and regulatory phase-outs. For new heat pump installations in 2025, focus on R32 or R290 to ensure long-term compliance and efficiency.

Your choice should consider local climate, installation requirements, and environmental priorities. However, both R32 and R290 represent significant improvements over older refrigerants and will serve you well into the future.