If you’re installing or servicing heat pumps, knowing which refrigerant a unit uses is essential. The answer depends on the age and type of the heat pump.
The common answer: R32
The majority of modern domestic air source heat pumps use R32. It’s efficient, has a moderate GWP (~675) and has largely replaced R410A in new equipment.
Other refrigerants you’ll find
- R290 (propane) — natural, ultra-low GWP, used in many newer high-temperature heat pumps
- R410A — in older units (high GWP, being phased out)
- R407C — in some legacy systems
- CO2 (R744) — in certain hot-water heat pumps
How to identify the refrigerant
Check the unit’s data plate — it always lists the refrigerant type and charge weight. This is also the figure you’ll need for F-Gas record keeping and CO2-equivalent calculations.
FAQ
Can I mix refrigerants in a heat pump? No — always use the exact refrigerant specified on the data plate. Mixing causes poor performance and damage.
Find the right refrigerant for your heat pump in our shop.