As tighter environmental regulations come into force and heat pump technology continues to evolve, manufacturers in the heating industry are turning their attention to the refrigerants used inside heat pumps.
Refrigerants play a significant part in the overall environmental impact of a heat pump system, and with rising demands to reduce the carbon impact of heating systems, R290 refrigerant is becoming a popular choice for the next generation of heat pumps. But why is the industry making the switch?
What is R290 refrigerant?
R290 is a natural refrigerant gas composed of carbon and hydrogen, used within heat pumps to absorb and transfer heat efficiently. It’s widely recognised as a leading alternative to conventional refrigerants in the renewable heating sector.
One of the key advantages in using R290 refrigerant is its extremely low Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 0.02. GWP is a metric used to compare greenhouse gases. Gases are scored on how long they remain in the atmosphere and how much heat they absorb – the higher their GWP, the bigger their environmental impact. Compared to conventional synthetic refrigerants, R290 has a significantly lower GWP.
Additionally, R290 has zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) which means it doesn’t contribute to ozone layer damage. As the heating industry makes the transition to renewable energy, R290 refrigerant is becoming a key player in helping to meet its sustainability goals.
Why is the heating industry moving towards R290?
Government legislation such as the Warm Homes Plan and the heating industry’s wider transition towards lower-carbon technologies are the biggest drivers in the shift towards R290.
Aside from its environmental benefits, R290 also delivers strong heating performance and improved efficiency, especially in systems designed to operate at higher water temperatures. That makes it suitable for new build and retrofit residential projects alike.
What’s the difference between R290 and R32?
Until recently, R32 was the main refrigerant used in modern heat pumps – a genuine improvement over older options like R410A in terms of environmental impact. But tightening legislation and rising performance expectations are accelerating the transition to R290.
The key difference between R32 and R290 lies in global warming potential. R290’s GWP is dramatically lower, making it one of the most environmentally friendly refrigerants currently available.
On a practical level, R290 also maintains high thermal efficiency across a range of operating conditions, delivering strong performance even at higher flow temperatures.
There’s also a regulatory aspect to consider. Although R32 has a lower GWP than older refrigerants, it is still classified as a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) — a type of synthetic greenhouse gas subject to tightening restrictions under F-gas regulations. These rules, which are progressively phasing down the use of high-GWP refrigerants across the UK and Europe, make R290 an increasingly attractive alternative. As a natural refrigerant with a near-zero GWP, it sits outside these restrictions entirely, giving installers a future-proof option that won’t be subject to the same regulatory pressure.
Is R290 safe?
Due to the properties of R290, it’s classed as a flammable refrigerant, which may understandably raise concerns for homeowners and installers. However, heat pump systems that use this refrigerant are specifically designed and engineered to operate safely when installed correctly by a qualified professional. The Alpha Magis M Top air source heat pump meets strict international standards that govern refrigerant use to ensure safe and reliable operation.
With the right design and installation practices in place, R290 heat pumps can be used safely and effectively in domestic properties.
What does the change mean for you?
The move to R290 means homeowners can benefit from heating technology that is more environmentally friendly, efficient and built to meet current and future regulatory standards.
Installers can also benefit. By completing Alpha’s dedicated training sessions on heat pump installation, installers can stay ahead of the evolving changes in the market and assure customers they have the knowledge and qualifications to install the new generation of heat pump systems safely and efficiently.
Moving forward: the future of heat pumps
The shift towards R290 is part of a wider move in the heating industry to become more energy efficient, helping manufacturers design heat pumps that have an even lower environmental impact without compromising on performance.
As the market continues to integrate more renewable technologies, products such as the Magis M Top are utilising R290 technology to support the future of low-carbon heating for both homeowners and installers alike.
Find out more about Magis M Top.