Air source heat pumps are central to the UK’s move away from gas boilers, and the refrigerant inside them is what makes the magic happen — absorbing heat from outside air and releasing it indoors. Choosing and servicing the right refrigerant is key to performance and compliance.
Common heat pump refrigerants
- R32 — now the most common in domestic heat pumps; good efficiency, lower GWP (~675) than older blends
- R290 (propane) — a natural refrigerant with GWP ~3, increasingly used in high-temperature heat pumps
- R410A — found in older units, being phased out due to high GWP (~2088)
Why refrigerant choice matters
The refrigerant affects efficiency (COP), the maximum flow temperature the heat pump can reach, and F-Gas compliance. Lower-GWP options like R32 and R290 are favoured as the phase-down tightens.
Servicing considerations
Both R32 (A2L) and R290 (A3) are flammable to differing degrees, so they require trained engineers, correct charge handling and the right equipment. Always follow manufacturer guidance and keep your F-Gas certification current.
FAQ
Which refrigerant is best for a heat pump? For most domestic systems, R32 offers a strong balance of efficiency and lower GWP; R290 leads on environmental credentials and high-temperature performance.
Browse heat pump refrigerants in our online shop.