Information about refrigerant R32
R32 (difluoromethane) is now used in nearly all new air source heat pumps and air conditioning systems. It has replaced the previously widely used R410A refrigerant due to its higher energy efficiency and lower environmental impact.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Status
- Reclaimed
- GWP
- 677
- ODP
- 0
- SAFETY CLASS
- A2L
- UN-NUMBER
- UN 3252
- PACKAGE SIZES
- 12,5 · 61 · 950 L
- COMPOSITION
- 100 % R32 (difluoromethane)
Refrigerant R32 overview
Compared to R410A, R32 offers lower environmental impact, better energy efficiency, lower charge requirements, and easier servicing (single-component refrigerant). Although R32 is a safe refrigerant, its mild flammability (A2L classification) and higher operating pressure impose stricter safety requirements for installation.
R32 is currently a key part of the EU’s green transition in the refrigeration and HVAC sector (GWP 675), but it is considered more of an interim solution rather than a final long-term alternative. From 2027 onwards, GWP limits will be tightened, requiring refrigerants with a GWP below 150 in many small heat pumps and monoblock systems. This means that R32 will gradually be replaced by even more environmentally friendly alternatives such as propane (R290) or carbon dioxide (R744).
Typical applications of R32:
- Air source heat pumps and air conditioning systems
- Air-to-water heat pumps
- As a component in blended refrigerants (e.g. 50% in R410A)
Additional information
2025–2029: Virgin refrigerants >2500 GWP are banned. Only reclaimed/recycled >2500 GWP allowed (new appliances). Reclaimed refrigerants with GWP <2500 can still be used for servicing and maintenance after 2032.
Differences in refrigerants
| Refrigerant | Status | GWP | ODP | Safety Class | UN Number | Composition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R134a | Reclaimed | 1430 | 0 | A1 | UN 3159 | 100 % R134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane) |
| R32 | Reclaimed | 677 | 0 | A2L | UN 3252 | 100 % R32 (difluoromethane) |
| R404A | Reclaimed | 3922 | 0 | A1 | UN 3337 | R134a 4 %; R125 44 %; R143a 52 % |
| R407C | Reclaimed | 1774 | 0 | A1 | UN 3340 | R32 23 %; R125 44 %; R134a 52 % |
| R410A | Reclaimed | 2088 | 0 | A1 | UN 3163 | R32 50 %; R125 50 % |
| R449A | Virgin | 1397 | 0 | A1 | UN 1078 | R32 24.3 %; R125 24.7 %; R134a 25.7 %; R1234yf 25.3 % |
| R448A | Virgin | 1387 | 0 | A1 | UN 3163 | R32 26 %; R125 26 %; R134a 21 %; R1234yf 20 %; R1234ze 7 % |
| R1234yf | Virgin | 4 | 0 | A2L | UN 3161 | 100 % R1234yf (2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene) |
| R1234ze | Virgin | 7 | 0 | A2L | UN 3161 | 100 % R1234ze (trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene) |
| R452A | Virgin | 2140 | 0 | A1 | UN 1078 | R32 11 %; R125 59 %; R1234yf 30 % |
| R513A | Virgin | 573 | 0 | A1 | UN 3163 | R134a 44 %; R1234yf 56 % |
| R454B | Virgin | 466 | 0 | A2L | UN 3161 | R32 68.9 %; R1234yf 31.1 % |
| R455A | Virgin | 146 | 0 | A2L | UN 3161 | R32 21.5 %; R1234yf 75.5 %; R744 (COâ‚‚) 3 % |
Explore these topics
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Collection, transport, and proper handling at no cost. F-gases returned to circulation as reclaimed refrigerants.
F-gas regulation 2026
What the tightening EU F-gas regulation means for the use and procurement of refrigerants.
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