As the industry moves to lower-GWP refrigerants, R32 and R290 (propane) are two of the most talked-about options. Both are far greener than the gases they replace, but they suit different applications.
GWP comparison
- R32: GWP ~675
- R290: GWP ~3
R290 wins clearly on GWP, though both are dramatically lower than R410A (~2088).
Safety classification
R32 is A2L (mildly flammable, low burning velocity), while R290 is A3 (higher flammability). R290 therefore has stricter charge limits and handling requirements, which is why it’s common in smaller, sealed and self-contained systems.
Typical applications
- R32: split air conditioning and many domestic heat pumps
- R290: self-contained refrigeration, monobloc heat pumps and high-temperature heat pumps
The verdict
R290 offers the lowest GWP and excellent efficiency where its flammability can be safely managed (typically factory-sealed units). R32 is the practical mainstream choice for split AC and many heat pumps, balancing efficiency, lower GWP and manageable A2L handling.
Browse R32 and other low-GWP refrigerants in our online shop.