What is R32 refrigerant?

The international regulation imposes a reduction of HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) with a high global warming potential (GWP) before banning them by 2025. R410A with a GWP of 2088 is therefore targeted by this regulation, and R32 is its “natural” replacement. This is due to the fact that R32 has a lower GWP (675); and it is more efficient than R410A.

In this article, you will learn more about:

        – The Advantages of the R32 Refrigerant;

        – Its properties;

So, let us get started.

What is R32 refrigerant?

Before diving into the details of what R32 is, we think it is essential to start with the definition of a refrigerant.

R32 refrigerant, what is it?

R32 or difluoromethane is a refrigerant with a low GWP or Global Warning potential. Knowing that, the higher the figure indicated on the GWP, the more harmful the gas will be. It has succeeded in replacing the R410A gas whose GWP is evaluated at 2088.

It belongs to the family of HFC (HydroFluoroCarbons). R32 is mainly used for the air conditioning of an apartment or house. They are, for example, present in the systems of air-conditioning. Although you may not be aware of it, it is the reason why your reversible air conditioners work so well. R32 gas is at the forefront of ensuring your thermal comfort.

Other features of R32 refrigerant

        – Gross formula: CH2F2;

        – ODP = 0 (effect on the ozone layer);

        – GWP = Global Warming Potential = 675 (max);

        – Class A2L = slightly flammable under conditions, keep away from open flames, do not smoke.

The installation of the refrigerant R32

R32 has excellent thermodynamic properties, but it is still slightly flammable. It is therefore recommended to take into account the information in the installation manuals.

In most cases, the manual is provided at the time of purchase of R32. In practice, it is necessary to maintain a distance between the air conditioning unit and the floor.

        – For wall mounting, the installer must maintain a distance of 1.8 m or more.

        – For ceiling mounting, the distance from the floor should be 2.2 m or more.

Advantages and Disadvantages of R32 Refrigerant

With its low GWP rate, R32 gas is considered today as the best alternative to replace R410A for your heating system. Moreover, it has several qualities that enable you to gain in comfort and reduce your energy expenses.

The advantages of R32 gas

There are many reasons to use R32 gas for your heating and air conditioning system:        

        – The use of R32 gas is not only a legislative constraint. From an ecological point of view, this gas, unlike any other, is an Ali Baba’s cave. It reduces household expenses and does not harm the environment.

        – On the ecological level, it is impossible not to mention the low carbon footprint of R32 gas. Compared to its counterparts, this refrigerant is 75% less polluting. What more can we say? This statistic alone makes this gas the “least bad” in the eyes of environmentalists.

        – Because R32 is never short of surprises, it has another significant advantage. Because it is pure, it is fully recyclable compared to R410A, which is a blend of two gases.

        – In terms of performance, R32 gas has another card to play. Indeed, it is known to be more efficient than its competitors. Depending on the uses, it will make gain from 3 to 10% of efficiency to the devices which use it. And now you are probably wondering about the manifestations of this feature. With only 19 decibels emitted during its use, the sound level of the air conditioner using this fluid does not exceed the threshold of auditive discomfort.

        – It is simple. With R32 gas, you’ll find that your electric bills will drop at a rapid rate. You’ll spend less money on heating and other everyday needs. Isn’t that more good news?

         – Last but not least, it’s easy to handle. In both liquid and gaseous form, R32 gas can easily be recharged into the heat pump. Other gases such as R410A do not have such flexibility.

Given all these advantages, it is not surprising that R32 is becoming the standard in the world of air conditioning. Already present in environmentally friendly air-to-air heat pumps, it is only now becoming better known to the general public. Although efficient and good for the environment, there are some precautions and drawbacks to consider.

The disadvantages of R32 gas

If R32 gas has many qualities, some precautions must be taken into account.

        – First of all, appliances running on R32 are 10% more expensive than appliances running on R410 A gas.

        – Secondly, the fluid is flammable. It belongs to safety class A2. In other words, it is not very toxic for humans, but it is slightly flammable. This parameter prevents this fluid from being used in ERP (establishment receiving the public).

        – In residential areas, the use of a potentially flammable fluid imposes specific and very rigorous safety constraints. Each room must have a mandatory minimum size. This is the big drawback of these fluid devices: they are not adapted to any environment.

        – On the installer’s side, handling R32 requires the use of specific equipment, different from that used to work with R410A.

Conclusion

The R32 gas is a refrigerant, which allows the operation of air conditioning systems through refrigeration cycles; it transforms the calories present to cool the indoor air.

        – The R32 gas has many ecological and thermal qualities and thus respects the international standards;

        – The R32 refrigerant is more effective than the commonly used R410A and allows to reduce your energy consumption;

        – The R32 gas is slightly flammable and requires precautions for its installation and maintenance.

The R32 gas has many virtues for the environment and your energy consumption, thanks to its composition and its energy efficiency. If you are planning to have, an air conditioning system installed, feel free to contact us. We will be honored to advise you on the most suitable type of refrigerant for your needs. To ensure thermal comfort and long-term peace of mind, especially for liquid refills, ask the air conditioning company about a maintenance contract.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions.

These include R404A, R134a, R407A/C/F, R410A, which currently occupy the lion’s share of our refrigerant market, regardless of the application. Although this family does not contain chlorine, the carbon atoms contribute to global warming. All of these refrigerants are gradually being replaced by R32 (Energy and eco-friendly).

Why is R32 the best alternative (Refrigerant)?

Global warming is a fact. Refrigerants contribute to it, although to a small extent. The logical consequence must be to offer an alternative to existing refrigerants. R32 has the best performance in cooling and heating mode. In addition, R32 units require less energy, 30% less capacity, and still have a higher power output. The lower GWP of 77% (considering the amount of fill) means that there is no alternative to R32.

How does R32 compare to the alternatives on the market?

The established refrigerant R410A is very energy efficient but also has a higher GWP than R32. Other newly developed refrigerants with low GWP cannot compete with R32 in terms of energy efficiency and cost. Natural refrigerants are also not an alternative:

        – Propane is very energy efficient and has a low GWP, but it is very flammable.

        – Ammonia is unfortunately very toxic with good energy efficiency and the lowest GWP.

        – CO2 also has a low GWP, but its energy efficiency is also too low.

What is GWP?

Global Warming Potential (GWP) is a value expressing the potential impact that a particular refrigerant would have on the long-term heating of Earth’s climate if released into the atmosphere.

It is a relative value that compares the impact of 1 kg of refrigerant to 1 kg of CO2 over a 100-year period. While this impact can be avoided by preventing leakage and ensuring proper recovery of the refrigerant at the end of its life, choosing a refrigerant with a low GWP will reduce the damages to the environment in the event of an accidental leak.

Is the installation and maintenance of R-32 equipment different from that of R-410A equipment?

–The installation and maintenance procedures for R-32 equipment are very similar to those for R-410A equipment. The working pressures for R-32 and R-410A are similar (design pressure for R-410A: 4.15 MPa; for R-32: 4.29 MPa).

With respect to charging requirements, R-32 is easier to handle because it can be charged in a gaseous or liquid state (not possible with R-410A, which must always be charged in a liquid state). The safety instructions of the equipment manufacturer and the refrigerant cylinder supplier must, of course, be observed.

For the equipment, these instructions are similar to those for R-410A equipment (need for ventilation, no smoking, etc.). However, there is additional guidance on the minimum part size required for some R-32 models.